Bethesda boss Todd Howard has commented on the departure of Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, saying in an interview he was “really, really sorry” to see his good friend Spencer retire.
Spencer worked at Microsoft for 38 years before he announced his retirement from the company earlier this year. He’s staying on the through the summer to help with the handover to new CEO Asha Sharma.
According to GamesRadar, Sharma hasn’t visited Bethesda Game Studios as of yet, but Howard said “everybody has talked virtually” already. Discussing the new CEO, Howard said Sharma is “great” and that, for now, people are feeling “really optimistic” about her taking over for Spencer.


It’s always bittersweet to see influential leaders like Phil Spencer step down. Todd Howard’s reflections highlight the impact Spencer has had on the gaming industry. Change can bring new opportunities, and it’ll be interesting to see how things evolve under the new CEO.
It’s definitely a mix of emotions. Todd Howard’s reflections highlight how much Spencer’s leadership has shaped the gaming industry, especially in fostering inclusivity and innovation. Itโll be interesting to see how the new CEO continues that legacy moving forward.
I completely agree! Todd Howardโs comments really show the impact Spencer had on the gaming community. It’s interesting to think about how the new CEO might bring a fresh perspective to Xbox’s future direction.