After more than 26 years with Microsoft, Xbox executive Kareem Choudhry is departing the firm. According to Windows Central, Choudhry’s last day is today, and his departure has caused several teams at Xbox to reorganize. Choudhry’s resignation occurs in the midst of ongoing changes to Microsoft’s gaming strategy and just six months after a significant reorganization of the Xbox leadership.
Choudhry had been concentrating on Microsoft’s AI initiatives for Xbox in the past few months, including the exclusive unveiling of a new Xbox AI chatbot earlier this week by The Verge. Choudhry was also instrumental in enabling Xbox to support backward compatibility and in bringing Xbox Cloud Gaming, now known as xCloud, to life in 2019.
Microsoft is currently transferring Choudhry’s previous team, Xbox Emerging Tech, to the Roanne Sones-led Xbox hardware division. Ashley McKissick and Kevin Gammill have formed a new Xbox Experiences and Platforms team, and their goal is supposedly to enhance the Xbox experience on both Windows and Xbox platforms.
The most recent reorganization of Xbox occurs when Microsoft is still thinking about altering its gaming division’s business plan. Microsoft released many Xbox-exclusive titles for PS5 and Nintendo Switch earlier this year; Sea of Thieves is scheduled to debut on Sony’s platform on April 30.
According to people with knowledge of Microsoft’s intentions, the corporation is still considering further Xbox-only titles that will be available on the PS5.
In a recent interview with Polygon, Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft’s gaming division, continued to hint at the possibility of an Xbox portable. Microsoft is also developing next-generation Xbox hardware. Additionally, Spencer made hints that Xbox might someday get PC retailers such as Itch.io and the Epic Games Store, indicating that Microsoft is still thinking about making significant changes to its Xbox strategy as a whole.
Microsoft is currently preparing for its major summer Xbox presentation, even as the company’s Xbox strategy continues to change and Choudhry’s exit causes additional turbulence. The show will also reveal the release dates for several upcoming Xbox games, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and of course, a new Call of Duty that will make its appearance later this year. The Gears announcement will not be the only new Xbox game revealed.