There’s a major reshuffling of leadership happening at one of the videogame industry’s top companies. 

After 38 years at Microsoft, Phil Spencer is stepping away from his role as CEO of Microsoft Gaming. 

His was an incredibly long tenure, and it’s leaving many to wonder what it means for XBox, Microsoft Gaming, and gamers alike.

GUEST: Todd Bishop - Co-Founder of Geekwire

LINKS:
Xbox chief Phil Spencer retiring after 38 years at Microsoft; Asha Sharma named new gaming CEO
Who is Asha Sharma? A closer look at Microsoft’s surprise pick to lead the Xbox business
Analysis: The best thing that the new Xbox CEO can do is ... nothing

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

There&rsquo;s a major reshuffling of leadership happening at one of the videogame industry&rsquo;s top companies.&nbsp;
After 38 years at Microsoft, Phil Spencer is stepping away from his role as CEO of Microsoft Gaming.&nbsp;
His was an incredibly long tenure, and it&rsquo;s leaving many to wonder what it means for XBox, Microsoft Gaming, and gamers alike.
GUEST: Todd Bishop - Co-Founder of Geekwire
LINKS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/xbox-chief-phil-spencer-retiring-after-38-years-at-microsoft-asha-sharma-named-new-gaming-ceo/">Xbox chief Phil Spencer retiring after 38 years at Microsoft; Asha Sharma named new gaming CEO</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/who-is-asha-sharma-a-closer-look-at-microsofts-surprise-pick-to-lead-the-xbox-business/">Who is Asha Sharma? A closer look at Microsoft&rsquo;s surprise pick to lead the Xbox business</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/analysis-the-best-thing-that-the-new-xbox-ceo-can-do-is-nothing/">Analysis: The best thing that the new Xbox CEO can do is ... nothing</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

Geekwire's Todd Bishop joins Soundside to talk about the latest changes at Microsoft Gaming and XBox as longtime CEO Phil Spencer retires after 38 years.