Incoming Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma has been actively promoting a positive outlook for the future of Xbox since assuming her new role. She has reassured Xbox gamers by expressing her commitment to a “return to Xbox” and mentioned that the current Xbox strategy is currently being reviewed.
“The plan’s the plan until it’s not the plan,” she shared in an interview with Windows Central, which provides some insight.
In her detailed statements, she emphasized:
“I believe that our dedicated Xbox fans and players have invested up to 25 years in these universes and our console. I want to assure everyone that I am dedicated to Xbox, starting with the console. We will continue to engage with players wherever they are – as the world evolves, we will ensure that Xbox remains a fantastic platform for developers and gamers. We aim to bridge the gap between different devices that players want to use with us. This will involve investing in breaking down barriers and assisting developers in creating games that can be played across various hardware platforms. For me, Xbox begins with its fans, and we will expand from there. That’s the message I wanted to convey with the “return” to Xbox.”
These statements hint that the console will remain a key element for Xbox, but Microsoft will also move forward with more game streaming, Windows gaming, and cross-platform games.
However, she also mentioned:
“At present, I need to understand, frankly speaking. I need to comprehend the ‘why’ behind these decisions, what we were aiming for, and what the data indicates about the current Xbox strategy. That’s the honest truth. I am focusing on long-term value, not just short-term gains or efficiencies. The plan’s the plan until it’s not the plan.”
So, perhaps exclusivity might be reconsidered in the future?
Realistically, it’s unlikely to happen soon, especially after analyzing the revenue breakdown per platform. Releasing games on PlayStation could generate significant revenue that Xbox may not be able to match, especially with a smaller console player base.
From an external perspective, it appears that there hasn’t been a coherent plan in recent years. Apart from Call of Duty, it’s unclear which games will be cross-platform on release day, which will be delayed on PlayStation, and for how long. It might be beneficial to adjust the plan going forward and provide clearer guidelines.
Booty also mentioned that gamers should not anticipate major changes in the immediate future, while reiterating their commitment to being a first-party platform holder.
Further reading: Hero to Net Zero – What is Phil Spencer’s legacy at Xbox?
Recently, Asha Sharma assumed the role of CEO, with Matt Booty retaining a slightly elevated position as Chief Content Officer, and Phil Spencer retiring as Sarah Bond stepped down as Xbox President. While Spencer had reportedly planned his retirement in advance and coordinated a succession plan with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the sudden change was announced on Friday and took effect on Monday.
Despite the supposed preparation, Sharma seems to be embarking on an extensive learning journey. Not being a gamer prior to her new role and coming from a background in AI divisions at Meta and Microsoft, she has been seeking game recommendations from social media. She has repeatedly stated that she is familiarizing herself with the current state of the Xbox business… Shouldn’t this transition have been ongoing in the past few months? Or would it have been better to announce a more gradual handover for this purpose? This responsibility ultimately falls on Spencer and Nadella.
Source: Windows Central
