Xbox wants to bring back its consoles and is not under any pressure from Microsoft to use AI
, by Thibaut
The title of this article reflects the two main points raised by Asha Sharma, CEO of Xbox, and Matt Booty, Director of Content at Microsoft Gaming, during an interview with Windows Central.
Following Phil Spencer's departure, the task ahead for the brand's two leaders is enormous. First and foremost, Sharma's goal is to bring about "the return of Xbox" and focus on the gamers who have invested their money in this ecosystem. The console will be at the heart of this strategy, which will undoubtedly take several months, if not years, to implement.
"Xbox gamers have invested thousands of dollars, both in money and time. It's critical for me to understand and protect that investment. I'm committed to a comeback for Xbox, and that starts with the console, with the hardware. You'll hear more about that soon, we'll be making announcements. You'll see us investing collectively. We also know that many gamers don't own an Xbox console or hardware, and I want to offer them great games. I need to better understand what that might entail, what decisions have been made, what we need to do going forward, and I need a little time and space to do that."
Asha Sharma also aims to deliver great games through Xbox Game Studios. She wants to focus on the "hardcore" Xbox fans, without necessarily trying to chase after another community.
"What I've learned in my career in platform building is that two things are essential to a platform's success: the quality of the product offered to the core user and the integrity of the decisions behind it. Xbox has a large community, and we will make sure we find the best way to serve it."
Of course, AI is a central issue that is causing great concern among gamers. With Sharma having served at CoreAI, many fear that she will force studios to use these tools. The main stakeholder promises not to pollute the ecosystem with “poor quality content.” She will not accept “any sloppy production.” Furthermore, Matt Booty has confirmed that Microsoft will not force the use of AI.
"We are not under any pressure from Microsoft, and no AI guidelines are being imposed. Our teams are free to use any technologies that may be useful to them, whether for writing code or fixing bugs—more specific elements of the production process. Ultimately, as Asha said, we remain committed to art created by humans."
Booty also emphasized the support that will be provided to Xbox Game Studios and the creative freedom that will result.
"From our very first conversations, Asha and I emphasized, to her credit, the importance of supporting our studios and our games. Our ecosystem is designed to offer a comprehensive catalog, ranging from small games to successful franchises and blockbusters. Our primary mission is to develop titles such as Kiln, Call of Duty, Minecraft, and South of Midnight. That is the very foundation of our organization."
Finally, Asha Sharma expressed her desire to ensure an exceptional future for Xbox over the next 25 years and to learn, given her lack of experience in video games.
"We know the company has gone through some difficult times. I will leverage my expertise and that of leaders who have in-depth knowledge of the video game industry to help us grow the business and ensure an exceptional future for the next 25 years. I will listen, learn, and communicate our observations and actions. I believe that the results achieved are more than just promises. Matt and I are fully committed, day and night. This team has already turned things around in the past, and I am here to help us repeat that feat."
Source: windowscentral.com