Peter Moore Offers Cautious Advice to New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Amid AI Skepticism and Community Backlash

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Leadership changes at Xbox rarely pass quietly and the appointment of Asha Sharma as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming has already sparked intense debate. Now, former Xbox executive Peter Moore has stepped into the conversation, offering advice, caution, and a dose of realism about what lies ahead for the brand at a pivotal moment in its history.

Speaking to GamesBeat, Moore said Sharma’s first priority should be simple: listen and learn. He suggested that working closely with Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty will help her navigate the creative and commercial sides of the business, much as outgoing CEO Phil Spencer did by visiting development teams around the world. According to Moore, a global “listening tour”, meeting studio heads, understanding creative challenges, and absorbing the culture would be a smart way for Sharma to build credibility internally before making bold moves publicly.

Sharma’s appointment has drawn scrutiny, particularly because of her background in artificial intelligence. Moore acknowledged that AI is currently “despised by gamers” and warned that the topic is a minefield. At the same time, he argued that AI is not going away and that Sharma must clearly communicate how it can benefit players rather than simply improve margins. If AI can help studios create deeper, more immersive experiences while reducing ballooning AAA development costs, Moore believes it can be positioned as a positive force, but only if it “serves the player, not the spreadsheet.”

The early social media reaction has also been telling. Sharma shared her Gamertag online and quickly faced criticism over her gaming credentials, highlighting how protective and skeptical the Xbox community can be. Moore, who himself transitioned into gaming from Reebok before joining Sega and later Xbox, noted that unconventional backgrounds are not inherently a weakness. However, he acknowledged that today’s industry is more complex and more scrutinized than ever.

Moore also touched on the psychological pressure of the role, suggesting that if Sharma isn’t lying awake at night questioning how to win over gamers and build a cohesive long-term strategy, she probably should be. Imposter syndrome, he implied, is natural in a position of such visibility and consequence.

Not everyone has been optimistic. Xbox co-founder Seamus Blackley described the role in stark terms, likening it to that of a “palliative care doctor,” before clarifying that he does not believe Xbox is dead but expects significant pain ahead. His comments underscore the broader anxiety surrounding the brand’s direction and the competitive pressures facing Microsoft Gaming.