Matt Booty, the new Xbox Chief Content Officer, says there is no AI directive coming from Microsoft and clarifies Xbox’s stance on the technology.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, a major shake-up occurred at Microsoft Gaming. Phil Spencer retired, and Sarah Bond, previously the president of Xbox, resigned. In their place, Asha Sharma was named the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, and Matt Booty was named the new CCO. Both share the title of EVP.
Matt Booty Says No AI Directive from Microsoft
Asha Sharma previously headed Microsoft’s CoreAI division. As a result, there have been many questions about the future of AI implementation in Xbox games. Now, Matt Booty is speaking out to clarify that there is no directive from Microsoft’s higher-ups to send her development in AI.
In an interview with Windows Central’s Jez Corden, Booty said there was no plan to enforce some kind of AI mandate. Still, he noted that developers are free to use whatever tools they want. Also, he clarified the vision for AI within Xbox: to be additive and supportive of developers.
“We’ve got no pressure from Microsoft; there are no directives on AI coming down. Our teams are free to use any technologies that might be beneficial, whether it’s helping write code or check for bugs — things more in the production pipeline. At the end of the day, as Asha said, we’re committed to art made by people,” he said, while also reaffirming Sharma’s feelings that Xbox won’t flood their ecosystem with “slop.”
Asha Sharma has previously stated that she has no tolerance for “bad AI.” Click here to learn more about her perspective on the technology. Also, learn more about her vision for the future of Xbox and how the company plans to reconnect and recommit to dedicated players.
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There should be and this guy should be fired he killed Midway when he was CEO. Aaron Greenberg should be fired too. The amount of lying these people are doing is crazy