Asha Sharma dedicates an emotional message to Phil Spencer and marks the beginning of a new stage in Xbox

The new head of Xbox acknowledges Spencer's legacy and looks to the future.

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The new head of Xbox, Asha Sharma, has shared a public message on social media paying tribute to Phil Spencer after his tenure at the helm of the division. Her words come at a time of significant transition for the brand and make clear the weight Spencer has had in the company’s recent history.

Sharma explains that over the past few months, they have had almost daily conversations, discussing topics ranging from hardware and strategy to creators and culture, as well as more personal aspects. This direct contact, she assures, allowed her to understand even more the impact Spencer has had on Xbox over the past decade.

Phil Spencer’s Legacy in Xbox

In her message, Sharma recalls that when Spencer took over the leadership of Xbox in 2014, the division was at a critical juncture. Among the initiatives she highlights are:

• The definitive push for backwards compatibility, responding to player demand.

• The development and launch of Xbox One X.

• The creation of Xbox Game Pass, which transformed the game access model.

• A player- and creator-centric approach as the core of all strategic decisions.

Sharma emphasizes that Spencer’s impact is not measured solely by business milestones, but by stories: teams that felt supported to take risks, creators who found support, and generations of players who felt that Xbox was their home.

The message concludes with a clear statement: “Now our journey begins“. With this gesture, the new Xbox leadership acknowledges the past while officially opening a different chapter for the brand.