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Microsoft's longtime gaming chief Phil Spencer is leaving his role, and an executive currently leading the company's CoreAI product team is expected to succeed him. Xbox president Sarah Bond, who had been viewed as a likely internal candidate, has resigned amid the leadership change. The incoming leader has signaled a cautious approach to AI in gaming, pledging to avoid low-effort or intrusive AI additions.

  • Phil Spencer's departure marks a major leadership turnover at Microsoft's gaming division after many years at the helm.
  • Sarah Bond, previously seen as a potential successor, has stepped down from her Xbox presidency ahead of the transition.
  • The successor comes from Microsoft's CoreAI product group, highlighting a move to put an AI-focused executive in charge of gaming.
  • The new head has publicly committed to preserving creative and player-focused design rather than deploying cheap or intrusive AI features.
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun (https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/microsoft-gaming-head-phil-spencer-is-retiring-replaced-by-an-ai-exec-who-promises-no-soulless-ai-slop)