Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Microsoft CEO sees Xbox as "critical audience and category" that's "really important to the company’s future" says Asha Sharma
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma views Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's ten-year vision as placing Xbox as a critical audience and category for the company's future. Sharma and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty aim to return Xbox to growth next year by focusing on daily active players and making services like Game Pass more affordable and flexible.
Xbox leaders lay out new priorities for the company's future, and promise 'flexible pricing' and a focus on 'daily active players' by prioritizing 'hardware, content, experience, and services'
Xbox leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty have outlined new priorities focusing on 'daily active players' and a shift back to the 'Xbox' brand name. The company plans to offer 'flexible pricing' for its services and reevaluate its approach to exclusivity, windowing, and AI. This strategic shift aims to build a global platform connecting players and creators, with a strong emphasis on hardware, content, experience, and services.
Microsoft reportedly offers voluntary retirement program for 7% of US workforce
Microsoft is reportedly offering a voluntary retirement program to up to 7% of its US workforce, targeting employees at senior level or below with a combined age and service total of at least 70. This initiative follows recent layoffs and restructuring within its gaming division, including studio closures and project cancellations. The company is also adjusting its stock reward structure to provide managers with more flexibility.
Next-Gen Xbox Impacted By Memory Crisis, New CEO Admits
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma admitted that memory shortages are impacting the development and pricing of the next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix. The demand for memory chips is high due to AI industry investments, creating competition for resources with Microsoft's own AI initiatives. While development kits will be sent out in early 2027, a specific release date for the console has not yet been announced.
As its 'we can change' campaign continues, Xbox unveils new logo, and it's an intentional blast from the past
Xbox has unveiled a redesigned logo as part of its ongoing 'we can change' campaign, featuring a vibrant green reminiscent of the original 2001 logo. New CEO Asha Sharma is implementing significant changes, including a new marketing strategy and a focus on 'great games' and the 'future of play'.
Xbox Is Re-evaluating It's Approach to Games Exclusivity
Xbox, formerly Microsoft Gaming, is reevaluating its approach to game exclusivity and artificial intelligence, indicating a potential shift away from its multi-platform strategy. The company also announced changes to its Game Pass subscription pricing and confirmed that future Call of Duty titles will not be available on Game Pass at launch, but will be added later.
Microsoft Kills Gaming Brand, Returns to Xbox Identity
Microsoft is retiring the 'Microsoft Gaming' brand and re-establishing 'Xbox' as its primary identity for its gaming division. This strategic shift aims to leverage the established credibility and consumer recognition of the Xbox brand across all its gaming initiatives, including consoles, PC, and cloud services. The move coincides with a period of strong performance for Xbox and a broader industry trend towards authentic brand connection with gamers.
Xbox Has A New Logo That Brings Back The Green
Xbox has unveiled a new logo and slogan, "We are Xbox," which revives its classic green aesthetic and has received positive reactions. This branding change, alongside recent moves like lowering Game Pass costs, is generating buzz for the company's future direction under CEO Asha Sharma.
Xbox has a new logo – we think we like it a lot, but do you?
Xbox, under the new Head of Gaming Asha Sharma, has unveiled a new logo that blends elements of its past branding, including the original Xbox and Xbox 360. The company shared the logo with the message "We are Xbox," signaling a potential shift in brand identity during a critical time for the platform.
Xbox Changes Direction With "New North Star" and New Priorities
Xbox has announced a new strategic direction focused on becoming a global platform connecting players and creators, addressing player frustrations with console updates, PC presence, and pricing. The "new north star" for Xbox will be daily active players, with core pillars including hardware, content, experience, and services, aiming to fortify Game Pass with clearer differentiation and sustainable economics.
Why Xbox took Call of Duty out of Game Pass
Xbox has announced that Call of Duty titles will now be added to Game Pass Ultimate approximately one year after launch, rather than at launch. Data from Newzoo suggests that while Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 saw a temporary increase in Xbox engagement, it did not translate to sustained sales, indicating that Game Pass may be cannibalizing premium purchases.
Xbox will reevaluate exclusivity and target daily active players under new leadership
Xbox's new leadership, including president Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty, are set to reevaluate the company's approach to platform exclusivity, windowing, and AI. The division aims to increase its PC presence, improve console performance, and focus on daily active players as its new north star. Xbox also plans to fortify Xbox Game Pass and pursue strategic mergers and acquisitions to accelerate growth.
Fresh off the news that Xbox is cutting Game Pass pricing, reports emerge of a new "Starter Edition" tier that bundles in a Discord sub
Xbox is reportedly preparing new tiers for its Game Pass subscription service, including a 'Starter Edition' that bundles Discord Nitro for $9.99 per month. This potential new tier would offer over 50 games, limited cloud streaming, and Xbox rewards, aligning with recent statements from Xbox leaders about fortifying Game Pass with clearer differentiation and sustainable economics.
Are Xbox Exclusives Coming Back? Here's What Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Had To Say
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that decisions regarding exclusive games will be carefully considered, taking a data-driven and strategic approach with long-term implications. While fans are calling for a return to exclusives, Microsoft has recently shifted towards multiplatform releases, with titles like Forza Horizon 5 reportedly earning significant revenue on PlayStation 5. Sharma also indicated potential changes to game windowing and the company's approach to AI.
Build A Rocket Boy facing legal action, Behaviour Interactive cuts jobs, and Xbox has a new 'north star' - Patch Notes #49
This week's gaming news includes Behaviour Interactive confirming job cuts, Microsoft lowering Xbox Game Pass prices, and Nintendo facing lawsuits over tariffs. Build A Rocket Boy is also facing legal action for alleged privacy violations, while the Super Mario Galaxy Movie has surpassed $747 million at the global box office. Xbox is reportedly rethinking its exclusivity strategy and focusing on daily active players.
"I don't think that's a good strategy for a platform holder like PlayStation," Former Sony exec opens up about the idea of PS5 games coming to PC on day one
Former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida shared his perspective on PlayStation's strategy regarding PC releases, stating that day-one launches for triple-A titles might not be ideal for a platform holder like PlayStation. He noted that while Sony has successfully brought games like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Helldivers 2 to PC after console exclusivity, he is skeptical of an Xbox-like day-and-date release model.
Xbox 're-evaluating' exclusivity and AI use as it teases Project Helix
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined a new direction for the brand, emphasizing flexible pricing, a stronger PC presence, and a re-evaluation of game exclusivity. The company is also focusing on daily active players and expanding into new markets, while its next console, codenamed Project Helix, will serve as a foundation for a cloud-integrated experience. Microsoft is also reportedly preparing for potential layoffs.
'We have to be honest about where we are; we're a challenger' - Xbox bosses share open letter about the future
Xbox, formerly Microsoft Gaming, has outlined a new strategy focusing on connecting players and creators globally, with console remaining central but with an emphasis on affordability and flexibility. Key priorities include hardware, content, experience, and services, with a goal to increase daily active players and elevate creator-centric platforms like Minecraft. The company acknowledges its challenger status and aims for pace, energy, and self-critique to drive future success.
Microsoft Gaming reverts to Xbox branding
Microsoft Gaming is reverting to the Xbox brand under new leadership, with CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty announcing the change to employees. The company aims to focus on daily active players across hardware, content, experiences, and services, while re-evaluating exclusivity and AI approaches. This shift follows recent price reductions for Game Pass subscriptions.
Xbox ska "tänka om" angående exklusiviteter
Xbox is reevaluating its approach to game exclusivity, with new head Asha Sharma indicating a need to "rethink" the strategy. While not all Xbox games will become multiplatform, the company aims to strengthen its PC presence and provide better tools for developers and publishers.