Seamus Blackley, one of the creators of the original Xbox, has raised concerns about the future of the Xbox.
In a recent interview with GamesBeat, he suggested that Microsoft may slowly move away from Xbox as it shifts its focus toward artificial intelligence.
Microsoft’s Growing Focus on AI
According to Blackley, Microsoft is heavily investing in AI under CEO Satya Nadella.
Xbox will get “sunsetted” says Xbox founder Seamus Blackley
“I expect that the new CEO, Asha Sharma, her job is going to be as a palliative care doctor who slides Xbox gently into the night.”
If true, 25 years was a good run (2001 – 2026)
▶️ https://t.co/D6veYZeICN pic.twitter.com/NO0ERabDPU
— Hunter 🎮 (@NextGenPlayer) February 23, 2026
He believes that businesses outside of Microsoft’s core AI strategy, including Xbox, could gradually become less important over time.
Blackley described the situation as a slow transition rather than a sudden shutdown, suggesting that Xbox may be phased out quietly.
Concerns About New Leadership
Blackley also expressed doubts about the appointment of Asha Sharma as the new Microsoft Gaming CEO.
He noted that her background is more focused on AI than gaming, which could influence the direction of the Xbox brand.
While Sharma has stated that she does not want to rely on “soulless AI,” critics remain unsure about how much AI will shape future gaming decisions.
Fear of AI Replacing Creativity
One of the biggest concerns raised is the increasing use of AI in game development.
Blackley believes that AI cannot replace human creativity, especially in an industry that combines technology with storytelling and art.
Some critics worry that studios could rely more on AI tools instead of developers and artists, potentially changing how games are made.
Xbox’s Struggles and Changing Strategy
Xbox has faced strong competition from PlayStation and Nintendo over the years. Microsoft has already started shifting its strategy, focusing more on services and cross-platform releases.
There are also rumors that the next Xbox console could be closer to a Windows-based gaming PC, possibly with fewer exclusive titles.
A Different View From Microsoft
Despite the concerns, Asha Sharma has emphasized a renewed commitment to Xbox hardware and games, suggesting that the brand is still important to Microsoft.
However, many gamers remain cautious, especially after multiple strategy changes in recent years.
Conclusion
Seamus Blackley’s comments highlight growing uncertainty around the future of Xbox. As Microsoft continues to invest heavily in AI, questions remain about how much focus the company will keep on traditional gaming.
Whether Xbox evolves or fades will depend on how Microsoft balances innovation with the core identity of gaming.
