'The end of Xbox': fans split as AI exec takes over Microsoft's top gaming role

Xbox fans have been left divided after Microsoft announced Phil Spencer, boss of its gaming division, and Xbox president Sarah Bond would step down from their roles. Spencer, who is retiring after nearly 40 years at Microsoft, will be replaced by Asha Sharma - an executive who previously oversaw some of the firm's AI initiatives.

Some calling it "the end of Xbox" But the executive shake-up has sparked online debate and speculation about Sharma's lack of gaming background, with some calling it "the end of Xbox".
It follows a challenging year that has seen major layoffs, poor sales and increasing development costs for the gaming giant.

Phil Spencer's Xbox legacy

Phil Spencer joined Microsoft as an intern in 1988, working his way up through the company to eventually become chief executive of Microsoft Gaming in 2022. Under his leadership, he oversaw huge acquisitions, from Minecraft creator Mojang, to the biggest deal in gaming history with Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard. Spencer also launched Xbox Game Pass in 2017, a subscription service allowing players to download and play games on their PC and other devices besides an Xbox. Freelance gaming journalist for IGN and Eurogamer Vikki Blake said it would be "hard to imagine Xbox without Phil Spencer".

"I'll see you online," he added.

But she told the BBC his departure was not "completely shocking" given the brand's recent struggle to remain relevant in a crowded console market and its decision to "move away from platform exclusives" with titles such as Halo.
In posts on X, Spencer said he felt "lucky" to have worked with "so many passionate creators, partners, colleagues and players across the industry".

Divers recover bodies of seven Chinese tourists from bottom of Lake Baikal

Russian authorities say divers have recovered the bodies of seven Chinese tourists and a Russian driver who died after their mini-bus plunged under the ice to the bottom of Lake Baikal in Siberia.

Deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims

Irkutsk regional Governor Igor Kobzev offered his "deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims". He earlier said one Chinese tourist had managed to escape.
The depth at the site of Friday's accident was 18m (59ft), and the divers had to use underwater cameras to search for the bodies.
Baikal - the world's deepest lake with a maximum depth of 1,642m (5,387ft) - is a popular tourist destination. It often freezes during harsh winters and has seen a number of deadly accidents over the years.