Kareem Choudhry departs from Microsoft Xbox team after 26 years

Kareem Choudhry, a key figure in the Xbox division, is quitting Microsoft after an impressive 26-year tenure. His exit follows a significant reshuffling within the gaming division and comes amid ongoing changes to Microsoft's gaming strategy. Choudhry has been instrumental in several major initiatives during his time with the company and his departure marks the end of an era for the tech giant.

Kareem played a pivotal role in shaping Microsoft's gaming landscape, with recently shifting focus towards the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Xbox operations. Notably, he spearheaded initiatives such as the implementation of backward compatibility support and the launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming, popularly known as xCloud, in 2019.

With Choudhry's exit, Microsoft is realigning his former domain, Xbox Emerging Tech, under the leadership of Roanne Sones within the Xbox hardware division. A new entity named Xbox Experiences and Platforms emerges, entrusted to Ashley McKissick and Kevin Gammil are being formed. Reports suggest that this move aims to enhance the user experience across Windows and Xbox consoles.

Earlier this year, Microsoft made waves by expanding its gaming portfolio, making previously Xbox-exclusive titles available on rival platforms such as PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Notably, the imminent arrival of Sea of Thieves on Sony's console on April 30th marks a significant milestone.