Xbox Head Sharma: 'We Won't Survive If We Just Rehash the Past'

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma doesn't want to be remembered as someone who merely manages existing content. According to a Windows Central report, covered by VGC, she stated in an internal Town Hall this week: Original IP remains crucial for the future of the Xbox brand.

What Exactly Did Asha Sharma Say?

Sharma explained that Xbox supports its strongest franchises and aims to turn big games into “global billion-dollar franchises.” At the same time, she wants the company to continue creating “enduring new IP.” The quote circulating is: “We won’t survive if we only revive the past. We need new approaches and the courage to innovate with new brands that reach new audiences.” (translated loosely from the original English).

Why Is This Statement Met With Skepticism?

Since Sharma took office, Xbox has completely revamped its content strategy. According to VGC, thousands of jobs have been cut and several first-party studios have been closed or divested. Halo is now under the care of Activision, the Call of Duty publisher. Obsidian is working on a new Fallout under Bethesda. Double Fine (Kiln), Ninja Theory (Hellblade), and Compulsion (South of Midnight) were divested – precisely studios known for fresh brands.

Is Xbox Up For Sale?

Sharma also commented on this. In the summer, The Information reported that Microsoft was considering spinning off its gaming division or restructuring it as a subsidiary, which would theoretically facilitate a sale. In an interview with The New York Times, Sharma countered: “Xbox is not for sale.” She added that they would do everything to position the company for success, examining the right partnerships and suitable operating models.

What Does This Mean for Players?

From our perspective, these are initially just words, not actions. According to the report, Sharma did not name any specific new brands, and the divested studios speak a clear language. For players, this means: In the short term, the focus is likely to remain on established series like Call of Duty, Halo, and Fallout. Whether and when Xbox will actually announce new original games remains to be seen. We'll keep an eye on it.

Source: VGC

Do you believe Sharma that Xbox will focus more on new brands again? Discuss with us in the comments!