
Chanel Summers is one of the pioneers of interactive audio and a key creative force behind DirectMusic, DirectX audio, and the original Xbox sound architecture. In this exclusive Microsoft Alumni Voices interview, Chanel shares her journey from early game designer and producer to becoming Microsoft’s first audio technical evangelist and a foundational figure in modern game audio. Chanel’s Microsoft journey was a launching pad for an exciting career that includes professional drummer and VR audio pioneer.

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From a globe‑hopping childhood in Saudi Arabia and Switzerland to becoming one of the earliest program managers on the first Xbox, Drew Angeloff describes his whirlwind career that was shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a bit of chaos. In this Microsoft Alumni Voices interview, hear how he went from stocking produce to cracking code, helped build Xbox from a five‑person skunkworks team, crafted early tech demos, shaped Xbox 360 graphics strategy, and later guided indie innovation and Forza Motorsport at Microsoft.

Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network








