Asha Sharma, the newly appointed CEO of Xbox, has taken to social media to address concerns about her authenticity as a gamer. Following her announcement as CEO on October 30, 2023, Sharma responded to allegations suggesting she was not a genuine gaming enthusiast. This comes after a weekend of scrutiny regarding her Xbox gamertag, which was discovered and examined by users online.
In a tweet responding to IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey, Sharma firmly denied claims that she was exaggerating her gaming credentials to connect with fans. She stated, “Faking would be a terrible idea and wouldn’t work.” Sharma also expressed surprise at the attention her gamertag received, noting that the reality of her gaming experience is “more boring” than what some might assume.
Sharma’s gamertag, created in January 2023, led to speculation about her gaming history. She clarified that multiple members of her household have access to the account, but each now maintains their own profiles. Notably, she emphasized that her objective is not to be labeled a hardcore gamer, but rather to engage authentically with the gaming community.
Addressing further speculation about her social media presence, Sharma confirmed that she personally writes her posts. Some had suggested that her background as a former AI executive at Microsoft might involve the use of artificial intelligence to craft her public statements. She reassured fans that her communications reflect her genuine thoughts and perspectives.
Asha Sharma succeeds Phil Spencer, who retired after a notable tenure leading Xbox. As the first woman to hold the CEO position, she is poised to steer Xbox through its next chapter, focusing on both community engagement and innovation in gaming. Her proactive approach on social media indicates a commitment to transparency and connection with fans, as she embarks on her leadership journey.