In a recent interview, Seamus Blackley, co-creator of Xbox, raised concerns about the future of Microsoft's gaming division amidst major leadership changes. He claims that the current direction of Microsoft suggests that Xbox is being "sunsetted," primarily due to the company's increasing focus on AI technologies. Blackley highlights the appointment of Asha Sharma, who comes from Microsoft's AI sector with no gaming background, as a sign that Xbox's future may not prioritize traditional video gaming. Despite Microsoft's public promises to revitalize the Xbox brand and engage with fans, Blackley believes the gaming business is at odds with Microsoft's overarching AI-driven strategy, suggesting a potential decline in the traditional gaming model.

Is Xbox being sunsetted by Microsoft?

While Seamus Blackley claims Xbox is being sunsetted due to a lack of focus on gaming within Microsoft, the company maintains that it is committed to the Xbox brand and its gaming community. New CEO Asha Sharma has promised to deliver on gaming initiatives, indicating that there are still major plans for Xbox moving forward, including upcoming titles and potential new console developments.

Xbox, launched in 2001, was part of Microsoft's significant entry into the gaming industry, which has since evolved to include various popular franchises such as Halo and Fable. The debates surrounding its future are compounded by the rapid rise of AI technologies within the gaming sphere, prompting concerns from gamers about the preservation of traditional gaming experiences. The upcoming years are crucial for Xbox as it navigates this unique intersection of gaming and artificial intelligence.