Xbox founder Seamus Blackley has issued a stark warning about Microsoft's gaming future, claiming the company's new gaming CEO, Asha Sharma, will oversee the division's decline. Following Phil Spencer's departure after nearly 40 years, Sharma emphasized that games "are and always will be art, crafted by humans" in her initial statement. However, Blackley dismissed these assurances as empty words.

In an interview with GamesBeat, Blackley described Sharma's role as "a palliative care doctor who slides Xbox gently into the night." He argued that Microsoft's bet on AI will result in non-AI businesses being sunsetted, with gaming following suit. Blackley pointed to Sharma's background in software as a service and AI as evidence that "games is going to be AI-driven software as a service."

Blackley expressed concern that Sharma, an outsider to the gaming industry, cannot understand gaming beyond an abstract level. Despite veteran Matt Booty serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Blackley believes Sharma's AI-focused perspective will fundamentally reshape Xbox. He compared her gaming statements to the "Hello, fellow kids!" meme, suggesting she must first understand what makes gaming interesting before attempting to lead the division.