New Microsoft gaming chief has “no tolerance for bad AI” (arstechnica.com)

Asha Sharma has been appointed as the new head of Microsoft's gaming division following the unexpected exit of Phil Spencer. With a background as president of Microsoft's CoreAI Product group, Sharma drew attention in a recent interview by stating that she has “no tolerance for bad AI” in game development. This signals a clear stance against the use of generative AI tools that may compromise the artistic integrity of gaming. Sharma emphasized that while AI has been a staple in gaming, great stories originate from human creativity, and her vision is to prioritize innovative technology that enhances the art of game-making rather than producing what she calls “soulless AI slop.” Her comments come amid ongoing debates in the gaming community about the ethical and creative implications of AI in development. Some developers view generative AI as a tool that can enable more creativity and efficiency, while others firmly oppose its use, fearing it dilutes the artistry of games. Controversies surrounding AI-generated content have already led to significant pushback, including the rescinded awards for developers who used generative AI for assets in their games. With Sharma at the helm, Microsoft appears to be navigating these contentious waters with a focus on preserving the human touch in gaming while strategically integrating AI technologies.