Sarah Bond of Xbox Talks About Her E3 Stage Experience and Dealing with Online Trolls

 Xbox Vice President Reflects on Her Meaningful E3 2019 Stage Appearance with Microsoft

Sarah Bond of Xbox Talks About Her E3 Stage Experience and Dealing with Online Trolls

In a recent interview, Sarah Bond, Xbox's head of creator experience and ecosystem, looked back on her memorable appearance at E3 in 2019, describing it as the most significant moment of her tenure at Microsoft. Speaking with Inverse, Bond recalled the challenges she faced, including warnings about online trolls, backstage interactions, and the emotional impact of the event.

“I wouldn't claim it was my best showcase performance, but it was undoubtedly the most meaningful,” Bond stated. "Up until then, we had never seen a Black woman take the E3 stage. Xbox wanted me to do it, but they prepared me for the possibility of a difficult experience. We spent days rehearsing before the live show. At one point, someone who had been part of E3 for 20 years told me, 'We never thought we would see this. We're so proud of you.'"

Diversity has long been a challenge in the gaming industry, particularly regarding the representation of individuals on stage during major presentations and events. Bond shared her motivation for addressing this issue by speaking at E3, one of the industry's premier gatherings.

“I realized I couldn't afford to be scared or nervous—that would have been a selfish response. I needed to do it for everyone who had been told they weren't good enough or didn't fit the mold,” Bond explained . "I was doing it for them. So, I went out there and did it. I wasn't nervous; it was like an out-of-body experience. I teared up as I walked off the stage. It felt good. I I didn't let anyone down. I had been authentic. It shattered the notion that having me on stage was a compromise or a concession. That I would do a subpar job. Now, other women won't have to confront such misconceptions. I 'I'm proudest of my role in changing that perception, so people won't make such assumptions anymore.'

In the interview, Bond also discussed her ongoing efforts to drive change in the gaming industry, including her thoughts on the potential of AI to positively impact game development.