Xbox Staff Reportedly Express Relief Over Sarah Bond's Departure
Sarah Bond's exit from Xbox has been met with a sense of relief among certain employees at Microsoft, according to recent reports. The departure, part of a broader management shake-up that installed Asha Sharma as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has drawn attention due to Bond's previous role as Xbox president and her connection to a controversial advertising campaign.
Controversial Ad Campaign and Management Style Under Scrutiny
As reported by The Verge, Bond's leadership came under fire following the release of the 'This Is an Xbox' advertising campaign in late 2024. The marketing effort, which downplayed the Xbox Series X/S consoles in favor of highlighting other hardware, reportedly offended many within the Xbox division. Employees cited in the report expressed frustration with the campaign's confusing message and its deviation from traditional console-focused marketing.
Beyond the advertising misstep, Bond was described by several sources as 'tough to work with,' allegedly establishing a team structure that penalized dissent. According to the report, she created an environment where questioning her vision could lead to dismissal, though her ability to forge corporate partnerships was acknowledged as a strength.
Internal Failures and Leadership Changes
The report further claims that most current and former Xbox employees referenced were 'relieved' by Bond's departure, noting that her strategic direction had been failing internally and faced repeated questioning. Bond, who was promoted to Xbox president in 2023, was once seen as a potential successor to Phil Spencer but was ultimately passed over in favor of Sharma.
Phil Spencer, who oversaw the shift away from console-centric strategies, also faced scrutiny. His retirement, described as 'inevitable' over the past year, reportedly involved a long break in February 2025 that delayed key decisions, leaving teams waiting weeks for approvals. The announcement of his retirement was initially planned for February 23 but was rushed out earlier due to leaks, explaining why Bond's LinkedIn profile had unrelated posts hours before the news broke.
New Direction Under Asha Sharma
With Asha Sharma now at the helm, Xbox appears poised for a strategic pivot. Sharma has promised a 'return to the renegade spirit that built Xbox,' addressing fan concerns about exclusive games amid a multi-platform approach. It remains unclear whether this will mean a complete reversal from releasing multiplatform titles or a compromise with some exclusives, but significant changes are anticipated for the next generation of Xbox.
As for the timeline of Xbox's next console, reports suggest delays due to an ongoing memory shortage, potentially pushing its release several years into the future. This management overhaul marks a critical juncture for Xbox as it navigates internal discontent and external market pressures under new leadership.
