Asha Sharma’s Gaming Habits: What Microsoft’s New Xbox CEO Plays
Asha Sharma, the newly appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is stepping into the role previously held by Phil Spencer. While Spencer was well-known within the gaming community for his personal passion and extensive gaming history, Sharma’s background is different. However, she’s quickly demonstrating an eagerness to immerse herself in the world of Xbox, and her gaming preferences are starting to become public.
From AI to Xbox: A Diverse Gaming Palette
Sharma revealed her top three favorite games on social media: Halo, Valheim, and GoldenEye 007. This selection showcases a blend of iconic franchises and more recent indie successes. Valheim, in particular, is a notable choice, having gained significant popularity on PC after being available through Xbox Game Pass.
She too shared a fondness for the classic RPG Chrono Trigger, indicating an appreciation for gaming history.
A Rapidly Growing Gamerscore
Sharma hasn’t just named her favorites; she’s actively playing. Her Xbox gamertag, “AMRAHSAHSA,” was created in January 2026, and she’s already amassed a gamerscore of 10,870. In the past month alone, she’s played over 30 games, achieving full completion in titles like Firewatch and Townscaper, and nearly completing several others, including Ball x Pit, A Short Hike, Gone Home, and What Remains of Edith Finch. She’s also spent time with popular titles like Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and Vampire Survivors.
Does Gaming Experience Matter for Leadership?
The discussion around Sharma’s appointment has sparked debate about the importance of a leader’s personal gaming experience. While Phil Spencer’s deep connection with gaming resonated with many fans, experts suggest that strong leadership doesn’t necessarily require a massive gaming history. Lulu Cheng Meservey, former Activision EVP, has voiced this perspective on social media.
Sharma’s recent activity suggests she’s actively working to familiarize herself with the Xbox ecosystem. Her statement expressing enthusiasm for the role, combined with her rapid engagement with a diverse range of games, indicates a commitment to understanding the platform and its community.
The Future of Xbox Leadership: Beyond Personal Playtime
Sharma’s approach signals a potential shift in Xbox leadership. While a personal passion for gaming is valuable, her background in scaling platforms at Instacart and Meta, and her experience with AI models and services at Microsoft, may bring a new perspective to the company. Her focus, as stated in recent communications, is on recommitting to core Xbox fans and players while continuing to innovate.
Pro Tip:
Don’t underestimate the value of data-driven decision-making. Sharma’s background suggests a focus on understanding player behavior and market trends, which could lead to more strategic game development and platform features.
FAQ
Q: Does Asha Sharma have a long history of playing video games?
A: No, her public gaming history is relatively recent, with her Xbox gamertag created in January 2026. However, she is actively playing a variety of games.
Q: What are some of Asha Sharma’s favorite games?
A: She has mentioned Halo, Valheim, GoldenEye 007, and Chrono Trigger as games she enjoys.
Q: What was Phil Spencer’s role at Microsoft before retiring?
A: Phil Spencer led Microsoft Gaming for 12 years and was with the company for 38 years.
Q: Who is now the Chief Content Officer at Microsoft Gaming?
A: Matt Booty has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, reporting to Asha Sharma.
Did you know? Asha Sharma will be reporting directly to Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella.
Want to learn more about the changes at Microsoft Gaming? Read the full statement from Asha Sharma here.
