SMRTR ProgrammingFeb 23, 2026PYMNTS

Gaming Reinvents Itself Around Software and Subscriptions

SMRTR summary

Microsoft appointed Asha Sharma, a platform scaling expert from Meta and Instacart, as new Xbox CEO, replacing Phil Spencer. Her non-gaming background signals Microsoft's shift from hardware-focused console sales to cross-platform software ecosystems. Rising game development costs exceeding $200 million and AI infrastructure demands are reshaping the industry toward cloud-based, multi-device gaming experiences.

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