Asha Sharma
Reporting and statements that mention Asha Sharma.
Latest coverage
Project Helix reportedly launching in late 2028, projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800
Xbox is reportedly planning a next-generation console codenamed 'Project Helix' for a late 2028 launch, with an estimated price of $1,200 to $1,800. The company is also developing a new handheld device for late next year and considering a tiered Game Pass overhaul. These plans come amidst significant restructuring, including layoffs and a reassessment of past business strategies.
Xbox is reportedly queuing up for three more layoff rounds starting as soon as this month
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first potentially starting this month. CEO Asha Sharma is described as 'resetting' the brand, and sources indicate that more studios may be consolidated. While plans could change, further firings are also anticipated in November and January 2027.
Prospective Buyers Reportedly Value Xbox As High As $150 Billion
A new report suggests that private equity firms have considered purchasing Microsoft's Xbox division for as much as $150 billion. Despite these considerations, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has previously stated that Xbox is not for sale. The article also touches on Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's comments about Xbox needing to improve its financial performance, which has led to layoffs and studio departures.
Xbox is reportedly planning three waves of layoffs between now and January as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the…
Xbox is reportedly planning three more waves of layoffs in November and January 2027 as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the end of the fiscal year. These cuts have reportedly demoralized employees and led to the separation from several studios, with Ninja Theory at risk of closing. The article also touches on internal projections for the next-gen Xbox and an upcoming Xbox Game Pass overhaul.
Xbox reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first wave coming as early as this month
Xbox is reportedly planning three additional rounds of layoffs, with the first wave expected this month, followed by others in November and January 2027, as part of CEO Asha Sharma's business reset. This follows a September round of job cuts and a larger wave in July, with remaining reductions to be distributed across future quarters. Concerns are rising about the fate of The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, and whether potential layoffs could impact promised bonuses.
Further Xbox layoff rounds reportedly planned for this month, November, and January, while a Game Pass overhaul is in the works
Xbox is reportedly planning further rounds of layoffs in November and January, following earlier cuts this year, with a total of 3200 employees expected to be affected. Concurrently, an overhaul of the Xbox Game Pass service is underway, aiming to offer subscribers more granular control over features like cloud gaming and multiplayer. The report also mentions ongoing development of a next-generation handheld console and a future console expected around 2028, with high projected costs.
Next gen Xbox console out in 2028 and more expensive than PS6 claims report
A report suggests Microsoft's next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will launch by Christmas 2028 and may cost between $1,200 and $1,800, significantly more than the anticipated PlayStation 6. This comes amid ongoing component shortages and a reported failure of the current Xbox Series X/S. The report also indicates a new next-generation handheld device will be released by Christmas 2027.
Xbox's next-gen console to reportedly cost up to $1,800, with a Helix handheld coming in 2027 and a full release in holiday 2028
A report from Fortune Magazine indicates that Xbox's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, may launch with prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. The console family is expected to include a traditional home console planned for holiday 2028 and a handheld device targeting holiday 2027. This potential price increase is attributed to ongoing global hardware shortages, which have already led to price hikes for current-generation consoles.
PS6 Chip’s Bill of Materials is $200 Lower Than Project Helix – Rumor
A rumor from leaker KeplerL2 suggests the PlayStation 6's bill of materials is approximately $200 lower than Microsoft's Project Helix chip, despite the latter having more raw compute power. The report indicates that console design is a long process and neither Sony nor Microsoft intended for next-gen consoles to exceed $1,000, with current hardware market conditions for memory and storage being a significant factor. Despite potential delays being discussed, production pipelines for both consoles are reportedly too far along to change.
Xbox Will Go Through More Layoffs in October, November, and January – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly planning multiple rounds of layoffs in October, November, and January, following an initial wave in July. CEO Asha Sharma cited a need to cut costs and improve profitability due to over-expansion and underperforming investments. These cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce approximately 3,200 jobs by fiscal year 2027 and have already led to the divestment of several studios.
Next Xbox Console Planned for Holiday 2028, “Next-Generation Handheld” Coming in 2027
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has revealed that the next Xbox console is planned for a Holiday 2028 release, with a "next-generation handheld device" set to launch in Holiday 2027. The next-gen console is projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800. Plans for a revamped Game Pass subscription service with tiered features are also in development.
PS6’s RAM and NAND is Over $680, Total Cost Could Exceed $1,000 – Rumor
A rumor suggests the PlayStation 6's RAM and NAND alone could cost over $680, potentially pushing the total console price beyond $1,000. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino previously stated the company does not intend to sell hardware at significant losses, but acknowledged market monitoring and pricing evaluations. Similar concerns about memory shortages affecting pricing were echoed by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Xbox Job Listing for Supply Strategist Hint at Continued Plans to Support Physical Games – Rumor
A new Xbox job listing for a Supply Strategist suggests the company plans to continue supporting physical game releases, contrasting with Sony's announced discontinuation of PlayStation disc production. The role involves coordinating physical game launches and managing supply chain strategies throughout the product lifecycle. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has previously stated a desire to offer players choices between physical and digital media.
Why Do Big Games Keep Being Made Playable In Browsers? A Guide To Vibe-Coded Ports
Recent advancements in AI, particularly large language models, are enabling the reverse-engineering and porting of classic video games to run directly in web browsers. This trend, often referred to as 'vibe-coding,' allows players to access titles like Call of Duty and Halo without downloads or emulators, posing a significant challenge to traditional game publishers who are actively trying to shut down these ports. Companies like Microsoft are reportedly exploring similar browser-based initiatives, while others like Sony and Nintendo are issuing takedowns.
Call Of Duty: MW4 Is Not On Xbox Game Pass, But Here’s When You Can Expect It
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will not launch on Xbox Game Pass, requiring a separate purchase starting at $70. It is expected to arrive on the service approximately one year after its October 23 release. This marks a shift from recent Call of Duty titles that debuted on Game Pass, a decision potentially influenced by revenue considerations and an ongoing 'reset' of the Xbox business under CEO Asha Sharma.
Xbox Has Started Surveying Users About Future Games Being Exclusive – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly surveying users about making future games, excluding Call of Duty, console exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem. Franchises like DOOM, The Elder Scrolls, Minecraft, Diablo, and Fallout were mentioned as potential exclusives. This move aims to gauge player interest in investing in Xbox for exclusive content, with titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution already confirmed as non-timed exclusives.
Xbox Survey About Exclusives Includes A Nuclear Strategy, But Wait Just A Minute
Microsoft's Xbox division is surveying users about potentially making all first-party games, except Call of Duty, console-exclusive to Xbox. This includes potentially removing Minecraft from PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. The survey also polled opinions on making Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Diablo console-exclusive.
Asha Sharma announces Xbox Labs project to "explore new technology," which sure sounds like tinkering with old games through AI
Asha Sharma announced the creation of Xbox Labs, a new R&D initiative focused on exploring emerging technologies like AI for game remixing and rejigging. While Microsoft clarified AI usage won't be mandatory, the initiative aims to turn new ideas into player experiences, potentially by decompiling and rebuilding old games or making new ones more moddable. The article expresses skepticism about the initiative's true goals, linking it to recent layoffs and a focus on existing franchises.
Former game-seller Zavvi enters administration again and "is unable to fulfil any outstanding orders or pre-orders"
Former game retailer Zavvi has entered administration for the second time, ceasing all trading and stating it cannot fulfill outstanding orders or pre-orders. Customers who have paid for undelivered goods are advised to contact their payment providers. Separately, Microsoft's Xbox division has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative led by Scott Van Vliet to explore emerging trends in game development and player experiences, particularly in the context of rapid game decompilation and remixing, though it avoids explicit mention of AI.
Microsoft reveals Xbox Labs and it's desperately pretending it's not about AI
Microsoft has announced the formation of Xbox Labs, a new division focused on experimenting with 'emerging ideas' in response to AI-driven game modding and browser-based games. Led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who previously worked on AI at Microsoft, the division aims to explore new possibilities in game accessibility and player creation without explicitly mentioning generative AI. The initiative, headed by CTO Scott Van Vliet, is intended to leverage Xbox's expertise in game development to shape future technologies, though the article expresses skepticism about the venture's tangible outcomes and potential monetization.
