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The Seattle Mariners participated in the first in-game test of MLB's new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System during their Spring Training opener, winning the game but losing their initial challenge. Powered by T-Mobile's 5G network and Hawk-Eye technology, the system allows players to dispute umpire calls, aiming to blend human judgment with technological precision in Major League Baseball.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is retiring after a long tenure marked by the creation of Game Pass and major studio acquisitions. Asha Sharma, from Microsoft's CoreAI division, will succeed him as Executive VP and CEO, Microsoft Gaming. Sarah Bond is also leaving, while Matt Booty receives a promotion amidst challenges for the Xbox division.
Phil Spencer retires as Microsoft Gaming CEO after 38 years; Sarah Bond leaves Xbox presidency. Asha Sharma (ex-CoreAI) named new CEO, Matt Booty promoted. No layoffs promised amid leadership pivot.
Xbox Chief Phil Spencer Retires; Asha Sharma Named New Gaming CEO Redmond, WA – February 20, 2026 – Microsoft's gaming division is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Phil Spencer, the long-serving head of
Microsoft Gaming sees a major leadership shift as Phil Spencer departs after 12 years. Asha Sharma, with a diverse background in AI, Instacart, and Meta, takes over as CEO. Her first memo outlines a commitment to "the return of Xbox" and expansion into "new categories and markets" focused on player value.
Indie game publisher Finji accuses TikTok of using generative AI to create "racist, sexualized" ads for its games without permission, despite Finji disabling AI features. One ad for 'Usual June' reportedly depicted a character drastically altered from its original design. TikTok initially denied, then acknowledged the issue, citing an unselected "catalog ads format." Finji's CEO expressed disappointment over TikTok's unresolved response and potential brand harm.
Ubisoft has laid off approximately 40 staff at its Toronto studio, impacting individuals working on the *Splinter Cell remake*. The company confirms the game remains in development, despite the cuts. These layoffs are part of a broader organizational restructuring following other studio reductions and a recent employee strike.
Epilogue's GB Operator is a remarkable hardware solution, enabling collectors to easily play their physical Nintendo Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges directly on a modern laptop. This "adorable" plug-in device merges the tactile joy of original hardware with the convenience and capabilities of PC gaming, establishing itself as an essential tool for retro gaming enthusiasts and preservationists alike.
OpenAI is reportedly nearing a massive $100 billion funding deal, pushing its valuation to an astonishing $850 billion. This landmark agreement involves major tech giants like Amazon, Nvidia, SoftBank, and Microsoft, signaling a new era for the AI leader and the broader tech industry.
