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Xbox “Must Have Exclusive Content,” CEO Says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company needs "must have exclusive content" to be a leading publisher and platform. She acknowledged that Xbox is not currently in a healthy spot financially and outlined the next 100 days as a period for resetting the business and returning to growth. Sharma also discussed the challenges of making affordable products amidst rising console prices and component shortages.
Godot devs are getting a helping hand from Microsoft to bring their games to Xbox on PC
Microsoft has released a reference software package to help developers using the open-source Godot engine create games for Xbox on PC. This initiative aims to expand Godot's user base by demonstrating how to implement Xbox services, PlayFab, and GameInput within a Godot-based game. While not a full Xbox version of Godot, Microsoft states this is a first step and plans to evolve it based on community feedback.
AI Yi-Yi!
Google may integrate an AI mode into its search results, while NVIDIA and South Korea collaborate on AI development. Additionally, a leak suggests Microsoft is pursuing AI initiatives.
XBOX CEO wants XBOX to become the number one gaming company by 2030
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has set an ambitious goal for Microsoft's gaming division to become the number one gaming and entertainment company by 2030. Sharma emphasized that success will be measured by Xbox's overall industry position, not just profit margins, citing recent acquisitions like Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax Media as evidence of commitment. While acknowledging challenges, she believes continued investment in games, services, and major franchises will solidify Xbox's dominance.
How to watch the Xbox Games Showcase
Microsoft has announced two livestreams scheduled for this Sunday to cover the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase. Further details about the content of these streams are expected.
Asha Sharma commits to "resetting" Xbox, prioritising exclusivity and addressing AI in new strategy
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is implementing a new strategy focused on resetting the business, prioritizing exclusivity, and carefully integrating AI. She aims to make Xbox the leading gaming and entertainment company, addressing challenges like rising component costs and platform competition. Sharma emphasized a thoughtful approach to AI, ensuring it solves problems and enhances experiences rather than replacing AAA games.
Asha Sharma Dances Around Xbox Exclusivity In New Interview
In a recent interview, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed the company's evolving approach to game exclusivity. She indicated a flexible, title-by-title strategy rather than a strict adherence to traditional platform exclusivity, suggesting some games may remain exclusive while others could launch on multiple platforms or utilize timed exclusivity.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma still can't seem to decide on a stance regarding console exclusivity
Newly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has reiterated that the company's stance on console exclusivity remains undecided, emphasizing the need to balance reaching large audiences as a publisher with the platform requirement for exclusive content. Sharma stated that each title will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and that Xbox's mandate is to become the number one gaming and entertainment company, not necessarily to meet standard software profit margins.
After Describing Them as 'Antiquated', Xbox Now Says It 'Must Have Exclusive Content and Services'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a shift in the company's stance on exclusive content, stating that to be a great publisher, games must reach large audiences, but to be a platform, exclusive content and services are necessary. This contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond, who called exclusives 'antiquated'. The company is now considering an 'exclusive content and services' approach on a case-by-case basis for its titles, potentially experimenting with games like Gears of War: E-Day.
Is Microsoft's $69 billion Activision Blizzard deal paying off? Xbox boss Asha Sharma says it's "hard to say how to think about those decisions"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed uncertainty about whether Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is paying off, noting the deal occurred before the rise of AI and during a different strategic period for Xbox. While acknowledging the immense value of franchises like Call of Duty and Candy Crush, Sharma indicated it's difficult to evaluate the decision retrospectively, suggesting potential buyer's remorse despite continued investment in the acquired assets.
Xbox Boss Admits Game Pass Suffered An Eight-Month Decline, But Says It’s Growing Again
Xbox boss Asha Sharma revealed that Game Pass experienced an eight-month decline but has recently returned to growth. She emphasized the need for a business reset in the next 100 days to regain momentum and strengthen community ties. Sharma indicated that while the service faced challenges, Microsoft remains committed to investing in Xbox and gaming.
Microsoft and Valve sued, PlayStation's first party downturn, and could a UK social media ban impact games? - Patch Notes #55
Microsoft and Valve are facing a lawsuit alleging collusion on PC game pricing and release dates. Separately, PlayStation's first-party game sales have declined since 2020, and Nintendo will comply with EU regulations requiring replaceable batteries in hardware. A potential UK social media ban could also extend to video game platforms.
PlayStation 5 hardware sales dropped dramatically in the UK last month vs Xbox
In May, PlayStation 5 hardware sales in the UK dropped by 50 percent, allowing Xbox Series X/S to narrowly trail by only 400 units sold. This dip occurred despite the strong performance of Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox and PC, while the Nintendo Switch maintained its top-selling position. The exclusive title Saros did not significantly boost PlayStation hardware sales.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is mentioned in passing. The article also touches on Kevin O'Leary's scaled-back AI data center project in Utah and the growing interest in humanoid robots.
State of Decay 3 “Nails the AAA Feel”, Might Show Up During June 7th XBOX Showcase – Rumor
According to a rumor from Jez Corden of Windows Central, State of Decay 3 is expected to be featured at the upcoming June 7th Xbox Showcase. The game is reportedly in private alpha testing and has achieved a polished 'AAA' feel, a significant improvement over its predecessor. While other Xbox Game Studios titles like those from Ninja Theory and Double Fine are unlikely to be shown due to early development stages, potential reveals include projects from Toys for Bob and InXile Entertainment, as well as a possible new Xbox Elite Controller.
XBOX CEO Wants to Make It the “Number One Gaming and Entertainment Company” by 2030
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to make the company the leading gaming and entertainment entity by 2030, emphasizing industry leadership over profit margins. She highlighted significant investments in acquisitions like Activision Blizzard and Zenimax, and ongoing platform development as key to achieving this goal. Sharma also noted the substantial revenue generated by franchises such as Call of Duty, Candy Crush, and World of Warcraft.
UK: Nintendo Switch 2 sales tracking similar to Xbox One as now sold one million
The Nintendo Switch 2 has reached one million sales in the United Kingdom, making it the second fastest-selling Nintendo console in the region behind the Wii. Its sales trajectory is currently mirroring that of the Xbox One, which also took 52 weeks to reach the one million sales milestone in the UK.
No Rest for the Wicked Comes to PS5 Before Xbox, But It's Not Some Shady Exclusivity Deal
No Rest for the Wicked will launch on PlayStation 5 in October, with its console release initially exclusive to the platform. Developer Moon Studios clarified that this is not a shady exclusivity deal with Sony, but rather a result of optimization challenges, particularly with the underpowered Xbox Series S. The game will be released on Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch at a later date once development and optimization are complete.
PS5 UK sales dropped by half in May following April price hike
PlayStation 5 sales in the UK reportedly dropped by 50% in May following a price increase in April, while the Xbox Series X saw a 12% boost driven by Forza Horizon 6. The Nintendo Switch remained the top-selling console. Sony's sales decline is attributed to the price hike and a lack of major upcoming exclusives, though Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to significantly boost hardware sales later in the year.
OLED Monitors, Handheld PCs, and the New Era of Premium Gaming Tech
The gaming hardware market has shifted from prioritizing raw power to focusing on immersion, with OLED monitors and handheld PCs becoming premium staples. Factors like advanced game rendering, the public-facing nature of gaming setups, and competition with other tech devices are driving this trend. Additionally, the demand for AI infrastructure is impacting component availability and pricing for gaming hardware.
