Asha Sharma
Reporting and statements that mention Asha Sharma.
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Rumors claim Xbox wants to close Obsidian, but Jason Schreier says otherwise
Recent reports suggest Xbox is considering closing or selling several studios, including Obsidian Entertainment, due to financial pressures. However, journalist Jason Schreier has refuted claims that Obsidian is in negotiations to avoid closure, stating Xbox intends to keep the developer. The article also touches on frustrations within Xbox regarding leadership's focus on profitability and the impact of underperforming titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror game OD is said to survive Microsoft's culling for the second time now
Despite ongoing major studio and game culls at Microsoft, Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror title OD is reportedly safe. The game, developed by Kojima Productions and published by Xbox Publishing, has survived previous reassessments and continues its development. The project also features collaboration with director Jordan Peele and a notable cast, making it a high-profile title unlikely to be axed.
Fantasy meets reality: Why turmoil at Xbox is impacting IO Interactive and Project Fantasy
IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, is in turmoil after Xbox Game Studios Publishing reportedly pulled its funding. Despite this setback, IO Interactive remains committed to the project and is restructuring to continue development. This situation highlights the shifting priorities within Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, impacting independent studios reliant on external partnerships.
With Xbox Speeding Up Work on New Fallout Games, One Former Bethesda Dev Warns Faster Sequels 'Risk Fan Fatigue' — but Could New Vegas Developer Obsidian Be Drafted in to Help?
Xbox is reportedly accelerating development on new entries in The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo franchises under new leadership. However, a former Bethesda developer has cautioned that rushing sequels could lead to fan fatigue, suggesting that studios like Obsidian Entertainment might be considered to assist with Fallout development.
007 First Light studio IOI facing layoffs as Xbox pulls funding for Project Fantasy RPG
Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision will lead to layoffs at the Hitman and 007 First Light developer. Xbox stated they are re-evaluating investments to focus on their highest priorities, though they maintain their overall investment in games remains the same.
IO Interactive Layoffs: Xbox Pulls Project Fantasy Funding — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
IO Interactive is continuing work on Project Fantasy despite Xbox pulling its funding, and will now seek alternative funding or self-publish. This is part of a larger "reset" at Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, with reports indicating several studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs, Arkane, and Double Fine are in talks to avoid closure. Xbox is reassessing its investment priorities to better fund its existing franchises and ensure a reliable pipeline of exclusive content.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next project
Xbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.
Xbox pulls funding for 007 First Light dev's new fantasy RPG, prompting layoffs as Microsoft insists "we're not reducing our overall investment in games"
Xbox has withdrawn funding for IO Interactive's upcoming online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to layoffs at the developer. Microsoft stated that while overall investment in games remains the same, the company is shifting its investment focus. IO Interactive confirmed its commitment to completing the game despite the funding change.
Hideo Kojima’s OD Is Reportedly Safe From Upcoming Xbox Cuts
Hideo Kojima's upcoming Xbox console-exclusive horror game, OD, is reportedly safe from potential studio closures and game cancellations at Xbox. Despite widespread rumors of layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, a source indicates OD remains in development at Kojima Productions and will still be published by Xbox. This news comes as Xbox undergoes changes under new CEO Asha Sharma, with several other studios and games reportedly facing uncertainty.
Xbox Focusing On “Highest Priorities,” Claims It’s Not Cutting Back Overall Spending On Games
Microsoft's Xbox division is re-focusing its spending on 'highest priorities,' leading to the cancellation of funding for IO Interactive's Project Fantasy. A spokesperson stated that overall investment in games remains the same as last year, but the types of projects being backed are changing. This shift is part of a broader business 'reset' at Xbox, which may include layoffs and studio changes.
Io Interactive Laying Off Staff After Partner Withdraws from Project Fantasy
IO Interactive has announced layoffs following the withdrawal of funding for their new intellectual property, Project Fantasy, by an external partner, rumored to be Microsoft. Despite the setback, the company remains committed to the project's completion. This decision comes amid broader shifts within Xbox's business strategy under new leadership.
Report: Xbox considering sale or closure of Arkane, other studios, as layoffs loom
A report suggests Xbox is considering selling or closing several studios, including Arkane Studios, Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, as part of a major 'reset' under new CEO Asha Sharma. The upcoming game 'Blade' is reportedly over budget and may be canceled. Mass layoffs affecting over a thousand roles are also anticipated across Xbox in early July, following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Amid Xbox “Reset,” Microsoft Is Having Its Worst Month In 26 Years
Microsoft is experiencing its worst stock performance in 26 years, with shares down approximately 20% in June 2026. This financial downturn coincides with an 'reset' of the Xbox business under CEO Asha Sharma, which is expected to include significant layoffs and studio closures, driven in part by CFO Amy Hood's demands for cost savings. Despite overall revenue growth, high capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and Xbox's low profit margins are impacting investor confidence.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 advert shows Xbox's embarrassing Game Pass U-turn
An advert for Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 highlights Microsoft's reversal on offering new Call of Duty titles day one on Xbox Game Pass. After acquiring Activision Blizzard, Microsoft initially planned to include new releases like Black Ops 6 on Game Pass, but this strategy has been abandoned after only two years. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a price cut for Game Pass with the caveat that future Call of Duty games will not launch on the service, a move that has led to awkward marketing disclaimers.
Xbox cuts rumoured to be the ‘largest single layoff event’ in gaming history
Reports suggest that Xbox is planning a significant round of layoffs, potentially the largest in gaming history, impacting multiple studios including Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Game designer George Broussard claims to have inside information indicating widespread studio closures and job cuts across the Xbox division following the end of its fiscal year.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union is supporting Xbox employees facing potential layoffs, stating they will not be treated as "disposable." Union representatives highlighted Microsoft's financial resources, including recent console price increases and executive compensation, as evidence that layoffs are a choice. An Xbox spokesperson acknowledged the company respects employees' rights and is negotiating in good faith with the CWA.
Xbox reportedly stops signing third-party Game Pass deals
Xbox has reportedly halted new third-party deals for Game Pass, with sources indicating that developers were informed of a pause in negotiations. This decision comes as new Xbox boss Asha Sharma assesses the company's strategy following significant acquisitions and a recent price increase on consoles. While the future of third-party content on Game Pass is uncertain, the service remains a key component of Xbox's business model.
How to survive the memory shortage crisis: a PC owner's guide
This guide offers PC owners strategies to navigate the current memory shortage crisis, which is driving up prices for RAM, graphics cards, and other components. It suggests focusing on software solutions like upscaling and frame generation, optimizing existing hardware through updates and BIOS settings, and considering second-hand parts or cheaper alternatives for upgrades. The article anticipates that significant relief in memory pricing is unlikely before 2028 or 2029 due to high AI demand.
It's not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs
Numerous employees at Microsoft-owned Compulsion Games are reportedly looking for new jobs, with some indicating they have been given permission to do so due to impending layoffs. While not officially confirmed as layoffs by studio leadership, the situation mirrors reports of potential closures and job cuts at other Xbox studios like Double Fine and Ninja Theory. These expected layoffs are anticipated to occur in early July, following the end of Microsoft's fiscal year.
Microsoft announces even more Xbox Series price increases for 1st August
Microsoft is increasing the prices of Xbox Series X and Series S consoles globally starting August 1st, with some models seeing a 33% hike. The company cites rising component costs, particularly for SSDs and memory, as the primary reason for the price adjustments. This follows similar price increases last year and affects consoles worldwide, with specific US pricing detailed.
