Asha Sharma has a new strategy for Xbox’s resurgence.
During an all-hands meeting, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed her strategy for a “return of Xbox” with employees. The agenda included rebranding Microsoft Gaming back to Xbox and exploring the “reevaluation” of Xbox exclusive games and windowed releases.
Xbox fans were surprised when Microsoft began porting games to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, but there’s no firm commitment to return to exclusives yet. “We will reevaluate our approach to exclusivity, windowing, and AI, and share more as we learn and decide,” stated Sharma and Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty in a joint memo to employees.
Reversing the decision to port games to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch will be challenging due to the revenue from titles like Forza Horizon 5. Microsoft may consider making its first-party games exclusive to Xbox and PC for a period, with Forza Horizon 6 serving as a potential test by debuting on Xbox and PC first, then PS5.
The memo also details Xbox’s “master plan” and emphasizes being “honest about where we are.” Microsoft’s new “north star” for Xbox progress is daily active players, prioritizing hardware, content, experiences, and services. You can read the full memo here.