I honestly believe that Sharma should be given chance to prove herself, but in all honesty, this just strikes me as the PR department (if it actually exits!) having told her that the top 3 things that Xbox gamers want is... It just comes across as disingenuous.
Add to this it matters not what Sharma says in an effort to appease the more rabid elements of the Xbox community. Ultimately she has to report to both Nadella and Hood; the former of whom will want a focus on AI, and the latter of whom will want targets to be met.
I think there is a strong possibility of another round of layoffs, and studio closures or sell offs, including studios like Double Fine that make smaller games, and likely as not, even more price hikes (probably in service of Hoods profit margins). And all of this will be done under the guise of making Xbox leaner and future ready, when in fact it will just shrink Xbox still further and actually harm their ability to make money, which will then lead to more of the same.
I'm sure Sharma will mean well, but her ability to deliver will be hamstrung by those she reports too...
I don't think the fact that she is female matters one iota to most people, @Sol4ris. I think it is the perceived way that she got the job, and the focus on her AI past. I think that has people waving the pitchforks.
Personally, I'm not fussed in the slightest that she is female, or non-white etc. I strongly believe that she should be given the opportunity to prove herself.
My fear is that she will not stand up for Xbox in the way that Spencer did. I think Spencer was a buffer standing in the way of Nadella, and now that he is gone, Nadella will have free reign to do whatever he pleases, and he has inserted someone in position at Xbox to do his bidding with no questions asked.
That's my fear, but I am hoping that Sharma will prove me wrong. I certainly do not think that she should be judged on AI in isolation, though it does potentially suggest that she and Nadella are on the same page, which I do think worthy of noting. I think it entirely appropriate to look at her career in general, but if you do that you will see someone who is very smart and capable who absolutely deserves to be leading Xbox.
I do think people are rightfully sceptical of Sharma's games history, her achievement attainment rate, and even her statement about Xbox blades, which just struck me as more akin to someone in PR telling her that this will sound great to your Xbox community.
I think people's concern erroneously stems from her association with AI, and correctly her association with Nadella. I do think people have the right to be sceptical, but that she should be given the chance to either prove those sceptics right, or more hopefully, prove them wrong...
Prior to last Friday, @Grumblevolcano, I was already in the 'the next Xbox may be cancelled' camp, saying that I was 90% certain we would see it, but that 10% of me thought it could be cancelled. My view ebbed and waned based on the information and rumours that we heard. Following the news on Friday, I would say I'm probably 50/50 on whether the PCBox will be cancelled. Sharma has definitely said some things that suggest a recommitment to consoles, but that could be read in a number of ways, and I don't see what she said as being a cast iron confirmation that we will be getting another console.
People often like to cite the fact that Microsoft signed contracts for components, but contract always have cancelation clauses, and Microsoft know what they are doing when it comes to the legal side of things. Their team of lawyers will have had a backdoor in the contract that means Microsoft could back out of the contract if need be...
I concur with your assessment of the way things went down, and believe it to be highly likely, @themightyant. I think that Bond left pretty abruptly, probably on finding out that she had been superseded, hence the unflattering statement from Nadella that basically said Bond has also gone. The way Nadella worded his statement has me thinking that he and Bond had some choice words between them, and I guess you cannot blame Bond for doing so as I believe that right up until the last gasp she thought she was in line to take over from Spencer.
Now we may see efforts to make it appear that the woes that Xbox is facing are down to Bond and/or Spencer, and the decisions they made, and whilst there may be an element of truth to that, I think pretty much everyone knows that it was Nadella that was telling Spencer what had to be done...
The problem with 'this is an Xbox', @fatpunkslim, is that it conveys the message that you do not actually need an Xbox. They're telling you that you can play on your mobile or your television, which people can, but what it says is you have no need for an Xbox, which is/was highly damaging to the brand...
Thank you, @NeoRatt. That is really interesting. It's probably because of my age (63) that I do not see the take over of AI as being as rapid as you describe. That is not me saying you are wrong, only that I have watched technology evolve every since I was a child, and obviously seen the ramifications of both industrialisation and technology on the workplace and on our domestic lives.
I do think the future will be positive for most of us in the more advanced parts of the world (providing that AI does not go all Skynet, which is a possibility that I do not entirely dismiss), but I do think there will be some huge challenges to society in the short term as we come to terms with all the changes that are coming our way, and which are pretty much unstoppable now.
It's like how I remember the car industry, and coal mining here in the UK facing more and more automation, and how they feared, correctly, for their jobs. It has taken many of those communities decades to adapt and thrive, and indeed, some are still coming to terms with it decades later.
My hope is that the idea of the Universal Basic Income does come to pass, and that people will have enough to enjoy life without the need to work, unless you actually want too. I think that AI can bring about that future, and it is interesting to see that you believe that will happen more quickly than I. Has to be said, I am not in the know, as I have no involvement within the tech business, so I completely accept what you are saying.
We do live in interesting times, it has to be said...
I've said it time and again, @Weebleman, although I did not express myself properly when talking about it previously, but it is how we access our existing libraries that is my biggest concern because I do not want to have to resort to streaming those games I already own.
I do think there exists a huge possibility of the PCBox being cancelled now, and for the Xbox OS to be licensed out to other firms. How that works out will obviously have to be seen. It could be great, but it could also be a disaster . I'd like the former but fear the latter, though my first preference would be to have Microsoft make the next console.
Undoubtedly, the next few months are going to be fascinating as far as Xbox goes...
Exactly, @Daffy-Duck. It's coming and we can shout about how much we don't like it as loud as anything, but it's still going to come. Big business see opportunities to save money, and more importantly (for them) to make money, and nothing we say or do can stand in the way of that.
Honestly, I think it will mostly be positive in the long run. It's short term I think people are concerned about because people are losing their livelihoods, but I do think there will aways be other jobs to take providing you are willing to adapt.
The nirvana of AI will come within the next century or two, and these are just the growing pains we are experiencing, but big tech has to start somewhere when it comes to AI, and eventually they will crack it and we will all be better off for it...
Yep, I know who you mean, @Jaxx420, and he has now passed comment, and was generally grounded, I would suggest.
Funny thing is, I know I am often doom and gloom, but I prefer to think I am being realistic, but no matter what I say, I always want the best for Xbox. I really hope the next console is not canned, but fear it will be, and this could be the first step in that process...
The funny thing is, @Kaloudz, I nearly always hope you are right, and I am wrong! I like your optimism, even if I do not agree with it. Just keep being you, matey. At least with you I know that we can vehemently disagree, but still keep it civil.
I honestly don't know what way the pendulum is going to swing; will it be back to having exclusives, reducing prices of console and Game Pass, or will it be revamping Game Pass to first-party only, and cancelling the next Xbox. I'd prefer the first, but fear the latter.
No matter what, it will be interesting to watch what unfolds during the course of this year...
I agree with both of you, @Daffy-Duck & @Kaloudz. AI is coming whether we want it or not, whether we like it or not, and whether or not it makes are jobs redundant. Just as how the Industrial Revolution made certain jobs the work of machines, AI will do the same. And, just as with the Industrial Revolution, where other jobs became available in the place of those jobs that machines took, so will other jobs open up in the place of AI.
Give it a century or two, and people will probably spend their days in leisure, and receive an income from the Government, whilst the Nations earn their wealth utilising AI. That future is likely to come to pass, but it will not happen in our lifetimes (certainly not mine bearing in mind I am 63!). There will always be jobs that AI cannot do, but many jobs will be replaced, but I think it will be to the betterment of mankind in general.
Of course, there always exists the possibility of AI going full on Skynet, and seeing mankind as problem, but again, none of us are going to be around to see that happen either... 🤣
Probabilities are that Sharma was parachuted into Spencer's position because Nadella wanted someone other than Bond. Bond was left with no prospect for further advancement within Xbox, and could either stay, and work under someone that she felt have taken her position, or she could leave and forge a future elsewhere.
I wish Bond the best of luck, as I do Spencer. Both are still young and capable enough to have an impact elsewhere, and I hope they find fulfilment in their future endeavours...
In a rare moment of unity, @fatpunkslim, I agree with you! I think Sharma needs the benefit of the doubt and should be allowed to make her mark on Xbox. People keep focussing on her recent AI position, whilst failing to see that she has held many, many more positions not involving AI. She has been at the head of many companies and is clearly a talented individual. You do not get to where she is without being a capable person.
Whether she will be good for Xbox, we honestly do not know. Whether she will simply be there to do whatever Nadella tells her without question is also a matter that concerns me personally, because I do not think that Nadella has the same concern for Xbox as Spencer had, and which you and I have. For Nadella it is all about money at the end of the day, and whilst Xbox was a passion project for Spencer, the same is not true of Nadella. We could see some drastic changes for Xbox, and we may not like what we see. Equally, maybe Sharma can do some good at Xbox. We simply do not know, and the fact that she has no gaming experience is not necessarily the worst thing because her advisor do, and that's what counts. All this focus on her recent AI post is misguided in my view, and she should be given time to show us what she is really about. I don't think she has long to prove herself because people are very sceptical of her appointment, but that does not mean that she should not be given the opportunity to show us that there is no need for concern...
Fair enough, @Millionski. She may have known about the appointment for a while, but I would put money on her having scoped out new positions outside Xbox, and then having quit suddenly, hence Nadella saying very little about her...
You and I rarely agree, @Kaloudz. Indeed, we make a sport of not agreeing! However, I think you're alright, mate. People should be able to fundamentally disagree, but still respect one another. Keep being optimistic, matey. I'll balance you out with my complete pessimism... 🤣
What makes you think any changes that are made will be for the better, @Master_Cthulhu70?
I agree that things will change, but we have no indication, one way or the other, that anything that changes will be for the better. As long as Nadella is in charge, Xbox is pretty much doomed (in terms of consoles, and possibly Game Pass)...
I agree (and we must stop doing that!) that the ball was indeed dropped, @Kaloudz, though I do not think that is was Spencer that fumbled the ball. Spencer was the one who was the face of the one dropping the ball, but it is very difficult to keep hold of it when Nadella has tied both your hands behind your back!
Nadella was the one that was forcing through these changes, the ones that few agree with. Spencer was the one person trying to stand up to him, and you could see the toll this was taking on Spencer. He was a shadow of his former self.
I said last year that Spencer would retire in 2026. I do wonder what he will do next, because although he is undoubtedly a wealthy man, he is only 58, motivated, talented, and liked. He could still do good in this industry that we all love.
My concern stems from the strong likelihood that Nadella has installed Sharma to do his bidding, and the reason he side-stepped Bond was because he wanted someone that would do so without question.
I do think we will see some massive changes of direction going forward, but I'm not sure we are going to like it. I can see the next console being scrapped completely, and the Xbox OS being made available to other companies instead. Whether that will be a good thing or not is possibly too early to tell, but I know personally that I would much prefer a console built from the ground up by Microsoft.
The other casualty could well be Game Pass, and I can see that being changed to a first-party only service, which would then enable it to be put on the PlayStation. Personally, if they did that, I'd want a refund on my existing Ultimate subscription, but I highly doubt that Microsoft would entertain that because I very much doubt that I would be alone in that.
Changes? Yes, I can see some big ones being made. Positive changes? That, I'm afraid, I just cannot see...
I think you need to read everything else I have ever written, @GameOverScreen. This is probably my most positive statement on Xbox, like... ever! 🤣
None of us know this Sharma person at all. We have no idea of her capabilities, but it has to be accepted that you do not rise to the top without being an accomplished person. None of us like the idea of a person with no gaming experience leading a gaming company. Not one of us, I would imagine. However, she won't be making games, but overseeing everything. It is those that report to her that will have a better handle on gaming.
If you check her history, she has not really been anywhere for particularly long, even when it comes to AI. So although everyone is focussing on that one element of her career, it is not the only thing that she has done.
Everyone deserves a chance when they take up a new position. I will say I don't think she has long to convince us that she is a good choice because not only is Xbox at a very low ebb right now, but she is seen as a poor choice for the role she now fills. In other words, she needs to make her mark quickly, and it needs to be seen as a positive step. If she comes out and cancels the next Xbox, or begins to shutdown studios, cancel games or raise prices, any good will she may have will very quickly go.
I'll say it again, and again, I liked Spencer, and I think Nadella has done his dirty time and time again. Tying his hands and making him the fall guy. I trusted Spencer, but not Nadella. Now the way I see it is that Nadella has put in place a woman that will do his bidding, and if you read my past posts, I was very apocalyptic when it comes to the future of Xbox, and if we use the doomsday clock analogy (which in the real world is currently sat at 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to the world ending!), and then transfer that to Xbox, I would put the end being nigh for Xbox at 5 seconds. I am hardly positive about Xbox, I assure you...
I think you are entirely right in your assessment, @themightyant. I think big, big changes are afoot, and I'm not so sure that we will like what happens...
I do think that Sharma deserves the benefit of doubt, @Kaloudz. I think she should be allowed to show us her vision. Of course, that is not the same as me having any faith whatsoever in either her nor Nadella because I think that she will prove to be the puppet for Nadella that he wanted Spencer to be, rather than the person standing in the way as Spencer was.
I think Spencer did his upmost to stand up for Xbox, but he was worn down by Nadella. After all, at the end of the day, Nadella was his boss, and so no matter how much you think an idea is a bad one, you still have to do as you are told by your boss (or leave, as he has chosen to do).
Nadella has a track record of pulling the plug, and of being ruthless, so I think there is an even higher possibility of the PCBox being cancelled altogether now, or at the very least of support for it being stopped very soon after it releases (and likely fails to sell particularly well).
If all Sharma is there to do is to watch the pennies, and do Nadella's bidding without question, then we are likely in for some more shocking turn of events over the next few months.
I've been disillusioned with the path that Xbox has been taking for a couple of years now, but even my sense of despair has plumbed new depths now. We may well get a new vision for Xbox now, but that does not mean that we will like what we see...
Maybe, @Millionski, and maybe not. The transition she was speaking of may well have been Spencer's, I don't know. Whether she knew before yesterday who Spencer's replacement was, we will probably never know.
It's also the case that Bond may already have another position lined up elsewhere, and she could still have quit suddenly yesterday, which I think was the case, which in its own way speaks volumes about how she felt, and hence the lack of praise from Nadella...
That the PCBox would be cancelled was one of my first observations when I learned of Spencer's departure, @Weebleman. This is a chance for Nadella to reset the future for Xbox, and I get the feeling that this would be the perfect time for him to cancel the PCBox, and possibly even Game Pass, although I think the latter is more likely to happen in the next 3 to 5 years...
Ahh, right, we were talking with crossed wires. My apologies, @themightyant. From what I have read, Spencer told Nadella of his intention to retire in the Fall of 2025, though I have also read elsewhere that it was December (not quite sure if that is still Fall...!).
I totally agree that Bond left a lot more suddenly. I think it highly likely that on learning Sharma's was being promoted above her head, that she just decided to call it quits. First off, Sharma getting the post was somewhat humiliating for Bond, but second, Sharma is likely to be in that post for many years to come, and Bond could either remain in her current position knowing she would not be promoted for a long time (and probably resenting who she would be working for), or she could leave to forge her own future where there was a chance of career progression.
I imagine she left pretty abruptly, if Nadella's statement is anything to go by, and possibly having given him a piece of her mind too... 🤣
You only have to read what Nadella wrote about Bond's leaving to understand that her leaving was unplanned, @Millionski. I would dearly love to know exactly what went down when she found out that Nadella had completely undermined her, and chosen someone with basically no understanding of Xbox to take the role of head of Xbox!
You have to wonder how fruity the language was when she told Nadella she was leaving because he did not lavish any praise regarding her accomplishments in his statement...
Just Resident Evil: Requiem for me from that list, and it will be the first game that I shall buy for my PS5 Pro, which I have owned for 2 weeks but not played on at all. Indeed, RE:Requiem is the reason that I finally decided to get a Pro because it has many extra features that I hope will show the console off for me.
Really looking forward to the game, though I am concerned that there maybe too many stealth parts for me when playing as Grace. Hopefully I wrong about that, and I will enjoy the whole game in it's entirety...
I think Sarah thought that she was going to be taking over from Phil, @FraserG. I think the reason she has gone with barely a mention from Nadella is that she found out yesterday, like the rest of us, that Sharma had leap-frogged her into the position that Sarah had been groomed for the past few years.
If you look at it from Sarah's perspective, she has been with Xbox for many years, helping to shape the brand (for better or worse), and then Nadella parachutes someone into the role that she was expecting to take herself. That meant she could either stay put, in the knowledge that she would be stuck in the same position for many years, because Sharma was not going to be going anywhere anytime soon, or she could walk. Sarah is obviously a talented and ambitious person (I didn't particularly like her, but that does not diminish her capabilities), and so for Sarah leaving to forge a future elsewhere where she can rise to the top was probably the best thing she could do.
I can certainly understand that perspective; to work with a company for many years gaining knowledge about the business as you go, only to see someone who has barely been at the company promoted over your head, would be exceptionally galling.
I wish her luck, but personally I think she is leaving a sinking ship, which likely also featured in Sarah's thinking, and so better to get off now, than go down with the ship.
What this means for Xbox now I dread to think, but I highly doubt many of us will like it...
I love a metroidvania, @Decimateh. It's just side scrollers that I don't really enjoy. I did play Dead Cells a few years back when it first released, but I only got so far with it. Oh, and I played the one that has recently had a sequel that has Zeus etc. Cannot think what it is called. I played that for ages, got right to the end and died, and couldn't face going through it again. I was either often unlucky, or just not skilled enough at it. So I have tried them, but they are not really my thing. I also own Metroid Prime 4 (I think) on my Switch, but I don't like my Switch, so I haven't played it...! 🤣
Apparently Spenser tendered his resignation in December but said he would stay on in an advisory role, @themightyant. It was always Spenser's plan to see Bond take his place. She was being groomed for the role. When Bond got stiffed as Spencer's replacement, she probably felt humiliated, which is why she left. I think her leaving was a surprise, but Spencer's has been known about by Nadella for a couple of months...
I'm not naïve, @Artois2. You only had to watch Spencer in recent years to see that his heart was broken, as was his spirit. He was being told what had to be done, and he then had no option but to do it. Did he get told to shutdown Tango Gameworks? Probably not, but he was likely told by Nadella that he had to make savings, and so Spencer then had to find those savings, which he achieved by closing studios and cancelling games. Thus Spencer will have had the say over how those savings were achieved, but the demand to make them was coming from Nadella....
If you read up on it, @RBRTMNZ, Spencer apparently told Nadella of his retirement at the end of last year. That has given Nadella time to decide whom to appoint to the role.
Also, Nadella literally said, Bond has left Xbox. That was pretty much it. I think it fair to say that she did not take the appointment of Sharma well, as she thought she was going to get the job (as did we all). Bond leaving is good for Xbox, I think, but whether she would have been better than Sharma is now the question on my mind. I don't know Sharma, but I don't like her résumé...
I don't think that Spencer did no wrong, @SBandy1. Indeed, I think he should have cracked the whip more with the studios they have in order to get the games out at a better cadence (or indeed, just get them out).
I agree that things are likely to get worse now, and also agree that it is entirely possible that this will be the last generation for Xbox. I can see Nadella using Spencer's departure as a moment in time to cancel the PCBox they apparently have planned...
What you are failing to take into account is that Xbox would most likely have ended their run at the end of the last generation if not for the things that Spencer did in an effort to turn things around, @DennisReynolds. However, as Spencer said, Xbox lost the last generation, which happened to be the most important generation of all.
As for the ABK acquisition, I am still none the wiser as to who was the mastermind there because ultimately I think it was King that was the main goal. Also, I think that Microsoft being forced into allowing CoD on PlayStation is what made everything far worse for Xbox because the original plan was undoubtedly to have it as an Xbox exclusive. When that plan fell apart, that is where Nadella put a closer eye on the Xbox division. Also, let's not forget that it was Activision that approached Microsoft about the acquisition, not the other way round. Whether it was Nadella or Spencer that was approached, I don't know, but Nadella was involved because it was Microsoft's money that bought them, not Xbox's.
Ultimately, since the ABK acquisition Nadella has been pulling Spencer's strings. Completely undermining him. And only Spencer has been standing in the way of Nadella in an effort to save Xbox. Now that Nadella has rid himself of Spencer, you can bet your house on Sharma doing exactly what she is told, and none of it will be good for Xbox in the long run...
Barely any games, @SBandy1, I sort of agree with you, but when Spencer took over, they had barely any studios. You cannot just make a game out of thin air, you need studios. That is why Spencer then went about acquiring some.
As for Game Pass, Xbox had to do something because without Game Pass the Series console would probably never have happened. Game Pass allowed Xbox to survive into this generation. As Spencer said, they lost the most important generation last generation. Xbox had to do something to stay in the business or they would be gone already.
As for the ABK acquisition, I am still none the wiser as to who was the mastermind there because ultimately I think it was King that was the main goal. Also, I think that Microsoft being forced into allowing CoD on PlayStation is what made everything far worse for Xbox because the original plan was undoubtedly to have it as an Xbox exclusive. When that plan fell apart, that is where Nadella put a closer eye on the Xbox division. Also, let's not forget that it was Activision that approached Microsoft about the acquisition, not the other way round. Whether it was Nadella or Spencer that was approached, I don't know, but Nadella was involved because it was Microsoft's money that bought them, not Xbox's.
Lastly, it is well known that Spencer is a gamer, so not quite sure where that particular nugget came from...
The vast majority of the things you cite were not Spencer's doing, @DennisReynolds. They were the done on the say so of Nadella. Spencer was the man standing between Xbox and Nadella, trying to reign Nadella in. If not for Spencer, things would be far, far worse...
I don't think that either of them were fired, @RBRTMNZ. I think Spencer retired (because he had had enough of Nadella undermining him, and he could see the writing on the wall for Xbox), and Bond left because she believed she was going to be Spencer's replacement, but Nadella appointed someone else.
If you take a look at some past articles on Google, you will see some that speak about Bond being groomed to take over from Spencer. I think she thought she had the right of succession, and once Nadella appointed someone else, there was no way she was going to get the job because Sharma will be there for many years now...
Do you have a job, @SBandy1? Or are you your own boss?
Great if you are your own boss, but if not, you surely understand the hierarchy of leadership. In other words, if your boss tells you to do something, then you do it, whether or not you think it's a good idea. That is the position that Nadella put Spencer in....
Yes, @Millionski, I am genuinely saddened by Spencer's departure. Only he stood up for Xbox in the face of Nadella, but there was only so much he could do because at the end of it all, Nadella was his boss and so he had to toe the line even if he knew it to be a bad idea. I guess he reached the point where he could no longer, in good conscious carry on destroying Xbox (in terms of consoles and Game Pass). He's wealthy enough to retire now, and enjoy the money he has earned. Now he can sit back and relax, and watch his dreams go up in smoke like the rest of us...
I said last year that I thought Spencer would retire this year. Genuinely gutted to see him go, but he has had it rough for the past two years because Nadella has undermined him at every opportunity. Spencer says one thing, and then Nadella tells him to do the opposite. It's made Spencer look the bad guy, when in fact the blame lies with Nadella.
I said time and again that I don't think Spencer believes the path that Nadella has put Xbox on is the right one for Xbox, and now look at Xbox. It is suffering mightily, and it is Nadella's doing, but Spencer takes the heat.
I dread to think what Nadella will do now. I am not 100% convinced the PCBox will see the light of day, and I think Game Pass will be gone inside 5 years too, probably much sooner.
As for Bond, I never really liked her. I always thought she was a bit smarmy, and had a superiority complex. I'm not sadden to see her go. I also think she was a Nadella 'Yes woman', but I think the reason she has gone is that Nadella promoted someone else into Spencer's position.
Just have to hope that Asha Sharma has the best interests of Xbox at heart, and is able to stand up for Xbox and against Nadella, though I highly doubt it because likely as not Nadella has promoted Sharma into that role precisely because she will do what he tells her, no questions asked...
I said last year that I thought Spencer would be gone this year, @OldGamer999. Nadella has undermined him at every opportunity, and there was only so much he could take.
I think there is the prospect of the PCBox being cancelled altogether, to be honest. And I think that Game Pass is under threat too. If the PCBox does come to market, then I think Game Pass will last another 3 years after it releases. If the PCBox is cancelled, then Game Pass only has another 3 to 5 years left at most.
Honestly, I can see Nadella wanting to go full on publisher only, and can see him abandoning both consoles and Game Pass. I think that is why we have seen Bond and Spencer leave. I think Spencer was the only person standing up for Xbox because he understood the division. With him gone, and with Asha Sharma now in charge, I think Nadella has deliberately put in place someone that will do all of his bidding without question, and it will not be good for Xbox (at least as far as consoles go)...
All Nadella seemed to say about Bond is that 'she will leave Xbox', @UnusedBabyWipes, from what I can find, which does not sound like she left in a happy way. She was either dismissed, or chose to go because she did not take Spencer's place. I suspect it will be the latter of the two. Not sad to see her go. I always felt she was disingenuous, and was a 'Yes' lady for Nadella. Just have to hope this Asha Sharma person, is able to stand up for Xbox and not just say yes to whatever Nadella demands. I suspect that won't be the case, unfortunately, because Nadella will want someone in place that will carry out whatever he has intended for Xbox. I can see Nadella running Xbox (as a console, and probably Game Pass too) into the ground...
I know Spencer is leaving, @UnusedBabyWipes, which I said would happen this year in a previous post. I thought Bond was taking over from him, not leaving Xbox. Personally, I don't like Bond, and would happily see her leave. As for Spencer, I like the guy, but he has been heavily undermined by Nadella...
I am mildly interest in this game. It looks a little janky, in need of a bit more polish to me, but if the player reviews are good enough, I might pick this up at some point...
Comments 4,610
Re: Xbox CEO Shares Her Three Favourite Games Of All Time, Along With Her Gamertag
I honestly believe that Sharma should be given chance to prove herself, but in all honesty, this just strikes me as the PR department (if it actually exits!) having told her that the top 3 things that Xbox gamers want is... It just comes across as disingenuous.
Add to this it matters not what Sharma says in an effort to appease the more rabid elements of the Xbox community. Ultimately she has to report to both Nadella and Hood; the former of whom will want a focus on AI, and the latter of whom will want targets to be met.
I think there is a strong possibility of another round of layoffs, and studio closures or sell offs, including studios like Double Fine that make smaller games, and likely as not, even more price hikes (probably in service of Hoods profit margins). And all of this will be done under the guise of making Xbox leaner and future ready, when in fact it will just shrink Xbox still further and actually harm their ability to make money, which will then lead to more of the same.
I'm sure Sharma will mean well, but her ability to deliver will be hamstrung by those she reports too...
Re: Xbox Boss Explains Her Gamertag Activity, Says 'Faking Would Be A Terrible Idea'
I don't think the fact that she is female matters one iota to most people, @Sol4ris. I think it is the perceived way that she got the job, and the focus on her AI past. I think that has people waving the pitchforks.
Personally, I'm not fussed in the slightest that she is female, or non-white etc. I strongly believe that she should be given the opportunity to prove herself.
My fear is that she will not stand up for Xbox in the way that Spencer did. I think Spencer was a buffer standing in the way of Nadella, and now that he is gone, Nadella will have free reign to do whatever he pleases, and he has inserted someone in position at Xbox to do his bidding with no questions asked.
That's my fear, but I am hoping that Sharma will prove me wrong. I certainly do not think that she should be judged on AI in isolation, though it does potentially suggest that she and Nadella are on the same page, which I do think worthy of noting. I think it entirely appropriate to look at her career in general, but if you do that you will see someone who is very smart and capable who absolutely deserves to be leading Xbox.
I do think people are rightfully sceptical of Sharma's games history, her achievement attainment rate, and even her statement about Xbox blades, which just struck me as more akin to someone in PR telling her that this will sound great to your Xbox community.
I think people's concern erroneously stems from her association with AI, and correctly her association with Nadella. I do think people have the right to be sceptical, but that she should be given the chance to either prove those sceptics right, or more hopefully, prove them wrong...
Re: Xbox's Sarah Bond Issues Statement On Her Departure From Microsoft
Prior to last Friday, @Grumblevolcano, I was already in the 'the next Xbox may be cancelled' camp, saying that I was 90% certain we would see it, but that 10% of me thought it could be cancelled. My view ebbed and waned based on the information and rumours that we heard. Following the news on Friday, I would say I'm probably 50/50 on whether the PCBox will be cancelled. Sharma has definitely said some things that suggest a recommitment to consoles, but that could be read in a number of ways, and I don't see what she said as being a cast iron confirmation that we will be getting another console.
People often like to cite the fact that Microsoft signed contracts for components, but contract always have cancelation clauses, and Microsoft know what they are doing when it comes to the legal side of things. Their team of lawyers will have had a backdoor in the contract that means Microsoft could back out of the contract if need be...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
I concur with your assessment of the way things went down, and believe it to be highly likely, @themightyant. I think that Bond left pretty abruptly, probably on finding out that she had been superseded, hence the unflattering statement from Nadella that basically said Bond has also gone. The way Nadella worded his statement has me thinking that he and Bond had some choice words between them, and I guess you cannot blame Bond for doing so as I believe that right up until the last gasp she thought she was in line to take over from Spencer.
Now we may see efforts to make it appear that the woes that Xbox is facing are down to Bond and/or Spencer, and the decisions they made, and whilst there may be an element of truth to that, I think pretty much everyone knows that it was Nadella that was telling Spencer what had to be done...
Re: Xbox's 'Pivot Away From Console' Had Been Failing And Questioned At Microsoft, Claims Report
The problem with 'this is an Xbox', @fatpunkslim, is that it conveys the message that you do not actually need an Xbox. They're telling you that you can play on your mobile or your television, which people can, but what it says is you have no need for an Xbox, which is/was highly damaging to the brand...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
Thank you, @NeoRatt. That is really interesting. It's probably because of my age (63) that I do not see the take over of AI as being as rapid as you describe. That is not me saying you are wrong, only that I have watched technology evolve every since I was a child, and obviously seen the ramifications of both industrialisation and technology on the workplace and on our domestic lives.
I do think the future will be positive for most of us in the more advanced parts of the world (providing that AI does not go all Skynet, which is a possibility that I do not entirely dismiss), but I do think there will be some huge challenges to society in the short term as we come to terms with all the changes that are coming our way, and which are pretty much unstoppable now.
It's like how I remember the car industry, and coal mining here in the UK facing more and more automation, and how they feared, correctly, for their jobs. It has taken many of those communities decades to adapt and thrive, and indeed, some are still coming to terms with it decades later.
My hope is that the idea of the Universal Basic Income does come to pass, and that people will have enough to enjoy life without the need to work, unless you actually want too. I think that AI can bring about that future, and it is interesting to see that you believe that will happen more quickly than I. Has to be said, I am not in the know, as I have no involvement within the tech business, so I completely accept what you are saying.
We do live in interesting times, it has to be said...
Re: Xbox President Sarah Bond Is Also Leaving The Company, Microsoft Confirms
I've said it time and again, @Weebleman, although I did not express myself properly when talking about it previously, but it is how we access our existing libraries that is my biggest concern because I do not want to have to resort to streaming those games I already own.
I do think there exists a huge possibility of the PCBox being cancelled now, and for the Xbox OS to be licensed out to other firms. How that works out will obviously have to be seen. It could be great, but it could also be a disaster . I'd like the former but fear the latter, though my first preference would be to have Microsoft make the next console.
Undoubtedly, the next few months are going to be fascinating as far as Xbox goes...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
Exactly, @Daffy-Duck. It's coming and we can shout about how much we don't like it as loud as anything, but it's still going to come. Big business see opportunities to save money, and more importantly (for them) to make money, and nothing we say or do can stand in the way of that.
Honestly, I think it will mostly be positive in the long run. It's short term I think people are concerned about because people are losing their livelihoods, but I do think there will aways be other jobs to take providing you are willing to adapt.
The nirvana of AI will come within the next century or two, and these are just the growing pains we are experiencing, but big tech has to start somewhere when it comes to AI, and eventually they will crack it and we will all be better off for it...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
Yep, I know who you mean, @Jaxx420, and he has now passed comment, and was generally grounded, I would suggest.
Funny thing is, I know I am often doom and gloom, but I prefer to think I am being realistic, but no matter what I say, I always want the best for Xbox. I really hope the next console is not canned, but fear it will be, and this could be the first step in that process...
Re: These 30+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (February 23-27)
Good luck to you, @DaPrince. Hope you get that Pro and play the hell out of it...
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
The funny thing is, @Kaloudz, I nearly always hope you are right, and I am wrong! I like your optimism, even if I do not agree with it. Just keep being you, matey. At least with you I know that we can vehemently disagree, but still keep it civil.
I honestly don't know what way the pendulum is going to swing; will it be back to having exclusives, reducing prices of console and Game Pass, or will it be revamping Game Pass to first-party only, and cancelling the next Xbox. I'd prefer the first, but fear the latter.
No matter what, it will be interesting to watch what unfolds during the course of this year...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
I agree with both of you, @Daffy-Duck & @Kaloudz. AI is coming whether we want it or not, whether we like it or not, and whether or not it makes are jobs redundant. Just as how the Industrial Revolution made certain jobs the work of machines, AI will do the same. And, just as with the Industrial Revolution, where other jobs became available in the place of those jobs that machines took, so will other jobs open up in the place of AI.
Give it a century or two, and people will probably spend their days in leisure, and receive an income from the Government, whilst the Nations earn their wealth utilising AI. That future is likely to come to pass, but it will not happen in our lifetimes (certainly not mine bearing in mind I am 63!). There will always be jobs that AI cannot do, but many jobs will be replaced, but I think it will be to the betterment of mankind in general.
Of course, there always exists the possibility of AI going full on Skynet, and seeing mankind as problem, but again, none of us are going to be around to see that happen either... 🤣
Re: Xbox's Sarah Bond Issues Statement On Her Departure From Microsoft
Probabilities are that Sharma was parachuted into Spencer's position because Nadella wanted someone other than Bond. Bond was left with no prospect for further advancement within Xbox, and could either stay, and work under someone that she felt have taken her position, or she could leave and forge a future elsewhere.
I wish Bond the best of luck, as I do Spencer. Both are still young and capable enough to have an impact elsewhere, and I hope they find fulfilment in their future endeavours...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
In a rare moment of unity, @fatpunkslim, I agree with you! I think Sharma needs the benefit of the doubt and should be allowed to make her mark on Xbox. People keep focussing on her recent AI position, whilst failing to see that she has held many, many more positions not involving AI. She has been at the head of many companies and is clearly a talented individual. You do not get to where she is without being a capable person.
Whether she will be good for Xbox, we honestly do not know. Whether she will simply be there to do whatever Nadella tells her without question is also a matter that concerns me personally, because I do not think that Nadella has the same concern for Xbox as Spencer had, and which you and I have. For Nadella it is all about money at the end of the day, and whilst Xbox was a passion project for Spencer, the same is not true of Nadella. We could see some drastic changes for Xbox, and we may not like what we see. Equally, maybe Sharma can do some good at Xbox. We simply do not know, and the fact that she has no gaming experience is not necessarily the worst thing because her advisor do, and that's what counts. All this focus on her recent AI post is misguided in my view, and she should be given time to show us what she is really about. I don't think she has long to prove herself because people are very sceptical of her appointment, but that does not mean that she should not be given the opportunity to show us that there is no need for concern...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
Fair enough, @Millionski. She may have known about the appointment for a while, but I would put money on her having scoped out new positions outside Xbox, and then having quit suddenly, hence Nadella saying very little about her...
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
Up to you, @GameOverScreen. I think if you did take the time to read my comment, you would actually see that we mostly agree...
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
You and I rarely agree, @Kaloudz. Indeed, we make a sport of not agreeing! However, I think you're alright, mate. People should be able to fundamentally disagree, but still respect one another. Keep being optimistic, matey. I'll balance you out with my complete pessimism... 🤣
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
What makes you think any changes that are made will be for the better, @Master_Cthulhu70?
I agree that things will change, but we have no indication, one way or the other, that anything that changes will be for the better. As long as Nadella is in charge, Xbox is pretty much doomed (in terms of consoles, and possibly Game Pass)...
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
I agree (and we must stop doing that!) that the ball was indeed dropped, @Kaloudz, though I do not think that is was Spencer that fumbled the ball. Spencer was the one who was the face of the one dropping the ball, but it is very difficult to keep hold of it when Nadella has tied both your hands behind your back!
Nadella was the one that was forcing through these changes, the ones that few agree with. Spencer was the one person trying to stand up to him, and you could see the toll this was taking on Spencer. He was a shadow of his former self.
I said last year that Spencer would retire in 2026. I do wonder what he will do next, because although he is undoubtedly a wealthy man, he is only 58, motivated, talented, and liked. He could still do good in this industry that we all love.
My concern stems from the strong likelihood that Nadella has installed Sharma to do his bidding, and the reason he side-stepped Bond was because he wanted someone that would do so without question.
I do think we will see some massive changes of direction going forward, but I'm not sure we are going to like it. I can see the next console being scrapped completely, and the Xbox OS being made available to other companies instead. Whether that will be a good thing or not is possibly too early to tell, but I know personally that I would much prefer a console built from the ground up by Microsoft.
The other casualty could well be Game Pass, and I can see that being changed to a first-party only service, which would then enable it to be put on the PlayStation. Personally, if they did that, I'd want a refund on my existing Ultimate subscription, but I highly doubt that Microsoft would entertain that because I very much doubt that I would be alone in that.
Changes? Yes, I can see some big ones being made. Positive changes? That, I'm afraid, I just cannot see...
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
I think you need to read everything else I have ever written, @GameOverScreen. This is probably my most positive statement on Xbox, like... ever! 🤣
None of us know this Sharma person at all. We have no idea of her capabilities, but it has to be accepted that you do not rise to the top without being an accomplished person. None of us like the idea of a person with no gaming experience leading a gaming company. Not one of us, I would imagine. However, she won't be making games, but overseeing everything. It is those that report to her that will have a better handle on gaming.
If you check her history, she has not really been anywhere for particularly long, even when it comes to AI. So although everyone is focussing on that one element of her career, it is not the only thing that she has done.
Everyone deserves a chance when they take up a new position. I will say I don't think she has long to convince us that she is a good choice because not only is Xbox at a very low ebb right now, but she is seen as a poor choice for the role she now fills. In other words, she needs to make her mark quickly, and it needs to be seen as a positive step. If she comes out and cancels the next Xbox, or begins to shutdown studios, cancel games or raise prices, any good will she may have will very quickly go.
I'll say it again, and again, I liked Spencer, and I think Nadella has done his dirty time and time again. Tying his hands and making him the fall guy. I trusted Spencer, but not Nadella. Now the way I see it is that Nadella has put in place a woman that will do his bidding, and if you read my past posts, I was very apocalyptic when it comes to the future of Xbox, and if we use the doomsday clock analogy (which in the real world is currently sat at 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to the world ending!), and then transfer that to Xbox, I would put the end being nigh for Xbox at 5 seconds. I am hardly positive about Xbox, I assure you...
Re: Xbox President Sarah Bond Is Also Leaving The Company, Microsoft Confirms
I think you are entirely right in your assessment, @themightyant. I think big, big changes are afoot, and I'm not so sure that we will like what happens...
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
I do think that Sharma deserves the benefit of doubt, @Kaloudz. I think she should be allowed to show us her vision. Of course, that is not the same as me having any faith whatsoever in either her nor Nadella because I think that she will prove to be the puppet for Nadella that he wanted Spencer to be, rather than the person standing in the way as Spencer was.
I think Spencer did his upmost to stand up for Xbox, but he was worn down by Nadella. After all, at the end of the day, Nadella was his boss, and so no matter how much you think an idea is a bad one, you still have to do as you are told by your boss (or leave, as he has chosen to do).
Nadella has a track record of pulling the plug, and of being ruthless, so I think there is an even higher possibility of the PCBox being cancelled altogether now, or at the very least of support for it being stopped very soon after it releases (and likely fails to sell particularly well).
If all Sharma is there to do is to watch the pennies, and do Nadella's bidding without question, then we are likely in for some more shocking turn of events over the next few months.
I've been disillusioned with the path that Xbox has been taking for a couple of years now, but even my sense of despair has plumbed new depths now. We may well get a new vision for Xbox now, but that does not mean that we will like what we see...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
Maybe, @Millionski, and maybe not. The transition she was speaking of may well have been Spencer's, I don't know. Whether she knew before yesterday who Spencer's replacement was, we will probably never know.
It's also the case that Bond may already have another position lined up elsewhere, and she could still have quit suddenly yesterday, which I think was the case, which in its own way speaks volumes about how she felt, and hence the lack of praise from Nadella...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
I don't disagree with you, @GameOverScreen, but I highly doubt that Bond saw it that way... 😉
Re: Xbox President Sarah Bond Is Also Leaving The Company, Microsoft Confirms
That the PCBox would be cancelled was one of my first observations when I learned of Spencer's departure, @Weebleman. This is a chance for Nadella to reset the future for Xbox, and I get the feeling that this would be the perfect time for him to cancel the PCBox, and possibly even Game Pass, although I think the latter is more likely to happen in the next 3 to 5 years...
Re: Xbox President Sarah Bond Is Also Leaving The Company, Microsoft Confirms
Ahh, right, we were talking with crossed wires. My apologies, @themightyant. From what I have read, Spencer told Nadella of his intention to retire in the Fall of 2025, though I have also read elsewhere that it was December (not quite sure if that is still Fall...!).
I totally agree that Bond left a lot more suddenly. I think it highly likely that on learning Sharma's was being promoted above her head, that she just decided to call it quits. First off, Sharma getting the post was somewhat humiliating for Bond, but second, Sharma is likely to be in that post for many years to come, and Bond could either remain in her current position knowing she would not be promoted for a long time (and probably resenting who she would be working for), or she could leave to forge her own future where there was a chance of career progression.
I imagine she left pretty abruptly, if Nadella's statement is anything to go by, and possibly having given him a piece of her mind too... 🤣
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
You only have to read what Nadella wrote about Bond's leaving to understand that her leaving was unplanned, @Millionski. I would dearly love to know exactly what went down when she found out that Nadella had completely undermined her, and chosen someone with basically no understanding of Xbox to take the role of head of Xbox!
You have to wonder how fruity the language was when she told Nadella she was leaving because he did not lavish any praise regarding her accomplishments in his statement...
Re: New Xbox Head Suggests Bringing Back The Blades Dashboard In First Social Media Posts
Yes, because having the return of blade is precisely what will save the Xbox brand... 🤦♂️
Re: These 30+ Games Are Coming To Xbox Next Week (February 23-27)
Just Resident Evil: Requiem for me from that list, and it will be the first game that I shall buy for my PS5 Pro, which I have owned for 2 weeks but not played on at all. Indeed, RE:Requiem is the reason that I finally decided to get a Pro because it has many extra features that I hope will show the console off for me.
Really looking forward to the game, though I am concerned that there maybe too many stealth parts for me when playing as Grace. Hopefully I wrong about that, and I will enjoy the whole game in it's entirety...
Re: Who Is Asha Sharma? A Look Back At The Career Of The New Xbox Boss
I think Sarah thought that she was going to be taking over from Phil, @FraserG. I think the reason she has gone with barely a mention from Nadella is that she found out yesterday, like the rest of us, that Sharma had leap-frogged her into the position that Sarah had been groomed for the past few years.
If you look at it from Sarah's perspective, she has been with Xbox for many years, helping to shape the brand (for better or worse), and then Nadella parachutes someone into the role that she was expecting to take herself. That meant she could either stay put, in the knowledge that she would be stuck in the same position for many years, because Sharma was not going to be going anywhere anytime soon, or she could walk. Sarah is obviously a talented and ambitious person (I didn't particularly like her, but that does not diminish her capabilities), and so for Sarah leaving to forge a future elsewhere where she can rise to the top was probably the best thing she could do.
I can certainly understand that perspective; to work with a company for many years gaining knowledge about the business as you go, only to see someone who has barely been at the company promoted over your head, would be exceptionally galling.
I wish her luck, but personally I think she is leaving a sinking ship, which likely also featured in Sarah's thinking, and so better to get off now, than go down with the ship.
What this means for Xbox now I dread to think, but I highly doubt many of us will like it...
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From The Indie Fan Fest & Convergence Games Showcase 2026
I love a metroidvania, @Decimateh. It's just side scrollers that I don't really enjoy. I did play Dead Cells a few years back when it first released, but I only got so far with it. Oh, and I played the one that has recently had a sequel that has Zeus etc. Cannot think what it is called. I played that for ages, got right to the end and died, and couldn't face going through it again. I was either often unlucky, or just not skilled enough at it. So I have tried them, but they are not really my thing. I also own Metroid Prime 4 (I think) on my Switch, but I don't like my Switch, so I haven't played it...! 🤣
Re: Xbox President Sarah Bond Is Also Leaving The Company, Microsoft Confirms
Apparently Spenser tendered his resignation in December but said he would stay on in an advisory role, @themightyant. It was always Spenser's plan to see Bond take his place. She was being groomed for the role. When Bond got stiffed as Spencer's replacement, she probably felt humiliated, which is why she left. I think her leaving was a surprise, but Spencer's has been known about by Nadella for a couple of months...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
I'm not naïve, @Artois2. You only had to watch Spencer in recent years to see that his heart was broken, as was his spirit. He was being told what had to be done, and he then had no option but to do it. Did he get told to shutdown Tango Gameworks? Probably not, but he was likely told by Nadella that he had to make savings, and so Spencer then had to find those savings, which he achieved by closing studios and cancelling games. Thus Spencer will have had the say over how those savings were achieved, but the demand to make them was coming from Nadella....
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
If you read up on it, @RBRTMNZ, Spencer apparently told Nadella of his retirement at the end of last year. That has given Nadella time to decide whom to appoint to the role.
Also, Nadella literally said, Bond has left Xbox. That was pretty much it. I think it fair to say that she did not take the appointment of Sharma well, as she thought she was going to get the job (as did we all). Bond leaving is good for Xbox, I think, but whether she would have been better than Sharma is now the question on my mind. I don't know Sharma, but I don't like her résumé...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
I don't think that Spencer did no wrong, @SBandy1. Indeed, I think he should have cracked the whip more with the studios they have in order to get the games out at a better cadence (or indeed, just get them out).
I agree that things are likely to get worse now, and also agree that it is entirely possible that this will be the last generation for Xbox. I can see Nadella using Spencer's departure as a moment in time to cancel the PCBox they apparently have planned...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
What you are failing to take into account is that Xbox would most likely have ended their run at the end of the last generation if not for the things that Spencer did in an effort to turn things around, @DennisReynolds. However, as Spencer said, Xbox lost the last generation, which happened to be the most important generation of all.
As for the ABK acquisition, I am still none the wiser as to who was the mastermind there because ultimately I think it was King that was the main goal. Also, I think that Microsoft being forced into allowing CoD on PlayStation is what made everything far worse for Xbox because the original plan was undoubtedly to have it as an Xbox exclusive. When that plan fell apart, that is where Nadella put a closer eye on the Xbox division. Also, let's not forget that it was Activision that approached Microsoft about the acquisition, not the other way round. Whether it was Nadella or Spencer that was approached, I don't know, but Nadella was involved because it was Microsoft's money that bought them, not Xbox's.
Ultimately, since the ABK acquisition Nadella has been pulling Spencer's strings. Completely undermining him. And only Spencer has been standing in the way of Nadella in an effort to save Xbox. Now that Nadella has rid himself of Spencer, you can bet your house on Sharma doing exactly what she is told, and none of it will be good for Xbox in the long run...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
Barely any games, @SBandy1, I sort of agree with you, but when Spencer took over, they had barely any studios. You cannot just make a game out of thin air, you need studios. That is why Spencer then went about acquiring some.
As for Game Pass, Xbox had to do something because without Game Pass the Series console would probably never have happened. Game Pass allowed Xbox to survive into this generation. As Spencer said, they lost the most important generation last generation. Xbox had to do something to stay in the business or they would be gone already.
As for the ABK acquisition, I am still none the wiser as to who was the mastermind there because ultimately I think it was King that was the main goal. Also, I think that Microsoft being forced into allowing CoD on PlayStation is what made everything far worse for Xbox because the original plan was undoubtedly to have it as an Xbox exclusive. When that plan fell apart, that is where Nadella put a closer eye on the Xbox division. Also, let's not forget that it was Activision that approached Microsoft about the acquisition, not the other way round. Whether it was Nadella or Spencer that was approached, I don't know, but Nadella was involved because it was Microsoft's money that bought them, not Xbox's.
Lastly, it is well known that Spencer is a gamer, so not quite sure where that particular nugget came from...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
I mean, I loved the guy, and thought his character was fantastic in BG, @The_Nintendo_Expat, but other than that, I'm sorry, I don't follow... 😂
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
The vast majority of the things you cite were not Spencer's doing, @DennisReynolds. They were the done on the say so of Nadella. Spencer was the man standing between Xbox and Nadella, trying to reign Nadella in. If not for Spencer, things would be far, far worse...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
How, @johnedwin? What is it he did that destroyed Xbox...?
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
I don't think that either of them were fired, @RBRTMNZ. I think Spencer retired (because he had had enough of Nadella undermining him, and he could see the writing on the wall for Xbox), and Bond left because she believed she was going to be Spencer's replacement, but Nadella appointed someone else.
If you take a look at some past articles on Google, you will see some that speak about Bond being groomed to take over from Spencer. I think she thought she had the right of succession, and once Nadella appointed someone else, there was no way she was going to get the job because Sharma will be there for many years now...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
Do you have a job, @SBandy1? Or are you your own boss?
Great if you are your own boss, but if not, you surely understand the hierarchy of leadership. In other words, if your boss tells you to do something, then you do it, whether or not you think it's a good idea. That is the position that Nadella put Spencer in....
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
Yes, @Millionski, I am genuinely saddened by Spencer's departure. Only he stood up for Xbox in the face of Nadella, but there was only so much he could do because at the end of it all, Nadella was his boss and so he had to toe the line even if he knew it to be a bad idea. I guess he reached the point where he could no longer, in good conscious carry on destroying Xbox (in terms of consoles and Game Pass). He's wealthy enough to retire now, and enjoy the money he has earned. Now he can sit back and relax, and watch his dreams go up in smoke like the rest of us...
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
Care to explain how he has done more damage that Mattrick, @DennisReynolds...?
Re: Phil Spencer Announces That He's Retiring From Xbox
I said last year that I thought Spencer would retire this year. Genuinely gutted to see him go, but he has had it rough for the past two years because Nadella has undermined him at every opportunity. Spencer says one thing, and then Nadella tells him to do the opposite. It's made Spencer look the bad guy, when in fact the blame lies with Nadella.
I said time and again that I don't think Spencer believes the path that Nadella has put Xbox on is the right one for Xbox, and now look at Xbox. It is suffering mightily, and it is Nadella's doing, but Spencer takes the heat.
I dread to think what Nadella will do now. I am not 100% convinced the PCBox will see the light of day, and I think Game Pass will be gone inside 5 years too, probably much sooner.
As for Bond, I never really liked her. I always thought she was a bit smarmy, and had a superiority complex. I'm not sadden to see her go. I also think she was a Nadella 'Yes woman', but I think the reason she has gone is that Nadella promoted someone else into Spencer's position.
Just have to hope that Asha Sharma has the best interests of Xbox at heart, and is able to stand up for Xbox and against Nadella, though I highly doubt it because likely as not Nadella has promoted Sharma into that role precisely because she will do what he tells her, no questions asked...
Re: Talking Point: What Are The Best 'Hidden Gem' Xbox Games You've Played In Recent Years?
I said last year that I thought Spencer would be gone this year, @OldGamer999. Nadella has undermined him at every opportunity, and there was only so much he could take.
I think there is the prospect of the PCBox being cancelled altogether, to be honest. And I think that Game Pass is under threat too. If the PCBox does come to market, then I think Game Pass will last another 3 years after it releases. If the PCBox is cancelled, then Game Pass only has another 3 to 5 years left at most.
Honestly, I can see Nadella wanting to go full on publisher only, and can see him abandoning both consoles and Game Pass. I think that is why we have seen Bond and Spencer leave. I think Spencer was the only person standing up for Xbox because he understood the division. With him gone, and with Asha Sharma now in charge, I think Nadella has deliberately put in place someone that will do all of his bidding without question, and it will not be good for Xbox (at least as far as consoles go)...
Re: Talking Point: What Are The Best 'Hidden Gem' Xbox Games You've Played In Recent Years?
All Nadella seemed to say about Bond is that 'she will leave Xbox', @UnusedBabyWipes, from what I can find, which does not sound like she left in a happy way. She was either dismissed, or chose to go because she did not take Spencer's place. I suspect it will be the latter of the two. Not sad to see her go. I always felt she was disingenuous, and was a 'Yes' lady for Nadella. Just have to hope this Asha Sharma person, is able to stand up for Xbox and not just say yes to whatever Nadella demands. I suspect that won't be the case, unfortunately, because Nadella will want someone in place that will carry out whatever he has intended for Xbox. I can see Nadella running Xbox (as a console, and probably Game Pass too) into the ground...
Re: Talking Point: What Are The Best 'Hidden Gem' Xbox Games You've Played In Recent Years?
I take it you are aware of the news about Spencer, @FraserG...?
Re: Talking Point: What Are The Best 'Hidden Gem' Xbox Games You've Played In Recent Years?
I know Spencer is leaving, @UnusedBabyWipes, which I said would happen this year in a previous post. I thought Bond was taking over from him, not leaving Xbox. Personally, I don't like Bond, and would happily see her leave. As for Spencer, I like the guy, but he has been heavily undermined by Nadella...
Re: Soulslinger: Envoy Of Death Is Out Now On Xbox, And Here Are The First Console Reviews
I am mildly interest in this game. It looks a little janky, in need of a bit more polish to me, but if the player reviews are good enough, I might pick this up at some point...