Microsoft is hiring game industry analyst Matthew Ball as Xbox’s chief strategy officer, according to multiple outlets. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announces the appointment in a company memo and frames Ball as a widely respected figure across gaming, media, and technology. Ball is known for publishing an annual “State of Video Gaming” report that is read throughout the industry, and he has a background as an analyst and adviser focused on trends shaping games and digital economies. Variety also reports additional leadership changes alongside Ball’s hire: Scott Van Vliet is named chief technology officer, and Chris is promoted (with the outlet describing it as part of the same announcement). Engadget and The Verge both connect Ball’s new role to efforts to address Xbox’s strategy ahead of Project Helix. Slashdot adds that Ball has worked as a venture capitalist and consultant, and has run an advisory firm and digital production house, and has also authored a book titled “The Metaverse.” Sources agree that the move positions Ball to help guide Xbox’s long-term planning, including console and hardware strategy, amid intensifying competition in the games market.