Asha Sharma
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Xbox Says It Isn't Retreating as Hardware Crisis Forces a Rethink of the Console | Invision Game
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is not retreating from the hardware market but is rethinking its strategy due to a global hardware crisis. Microsoft is focusing on affordability and efficiency for future hardware, expanding the Xbox ecosystem beyond consoles to reach a billion players daily across PC, cloud, and mobile.
Xbox Kept At Least One Big Promise In Its Most Tumultuous Year Ever
Despite a tumultuous year marked by leadership changes, layoffs, and strategic shifts, Xbox managed to fulfill its promise of delivering over 75 day-one releases for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers between October 2025 and September 2026. This analysis tracks the monthly additions and reflects on the broader changes within Xbox, including leadership transitions and evolving strategies for its subscription service.
Xbox is preparing a "family of devices" for next-gen Project Helix, according to CEO Asha Sharma
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has revealed that the company's next-generation console initiative, codenamed Project Helix, will be a "family of devices." This suggests Microsoft may offer multiple console options, potentially including a dual-console approach similar to the Xbox Series X and S, or even exploring handheld gaming. Sharma also emphasized the need for innovation in affordability and efficiency due to current hardware component challenges.
Xbox Project Helix is a 'family of devices,' CEO reveals
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that the company is developing a 'great family of devices' under the codename Project Helix. This suggests a broader hardware strategy beyond current console offerings.
Will The Elder Scrolls 6 be Xbox exclusive? CEO Asha Sharma won't say, but "every platform needs some form of…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma addressed the ongoing question of The Elder Scrolls 6's exclusivity, stating that while every platform needs exclusive content, she did not directly confirm if the game would be exclusive to Xbox consoles. Sharma also mentioned that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be console exclusives for Xbox. The Elder Scrolls 6 has been in development for years, with limited official information released.
Xbox’s Disc-To-Digital Program Means Microsoft Is Probably Done With Discs Too
Microsoft has introduced a "Disc-to-Digital" program for Xbox, allowing users to convert physical game licenses into perpetual digital ones usable across Xbox, PC, and cloud gaming. This move, alongside Sony's earlier announcement to cease physical disc production for PlayStation games after 2028, strongly suggests that both companies are phasing out physical media for future console generations. The program aims to help players maintain access to their game libraries in a digital-first future.
Evening Reading - August 27, 2026
This article is a collection of news and internet happenings from August 27, 2026. It highlights new details about Grand Theft Auto 6, including a return to a 6-star wanted level system and various activities. Other topics include potential tariffs on gaming hardware, a review of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, and a humorous KFC x Oreo collaboration in China.
Xbox CEO Plays Coy About Whether Elder Scrolls 6 Will Skip PlayStation
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed the company's strategy regarding exclusive games, suggesting that Microsoft will continue to prioritize them. While she remained coy about The Elder Scrolls 6's platform status, documents from the Microsoft vs. FTC case indicated it was not planned for PlayStation 5. Sharma also addressed recent layoffs at Bethesda, acknowledging the impact on employee morale.
CEO Asha Sharma says Xbox needs to be thinking about affordability in its next console
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company must prioritize affordability and efficiency for its next-generation console, Project Helix, due to rising hardware component costs. She highlighted the industry-wide challenge of "Rampocalypse" and the need for innovation in providing consumers with more choices in how they purchase and play their consoles. This comes as Xbox announced a $900 USD 25th Anniversary Series X, and other consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch also face price increases.
Xbox discs will now grant digital access to games as part of Microsoft's self-proclaimed 'broader commitment…
Microsoft is launching a new program for Xbox Insiders that allows physical game discs to grant digital access to titles, enabling play without the disc in the tray. This initiative is framed as a commitment to game preservation and aims to help players transition their libraries. The feature will initially support thousands of titles and offers access via Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma once again stresses Xbox's need for affordability
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reiterated the company's need for affordability and efficiency, particularly in light of rising component costs and recent layoffs. She emphasized that the entire industry must innovate to offer players more choices in how they purchase and play consoles. Sharma also touched upon the company's disc-to-digital program.
Xbox Won’t Say If Project Helix Has A Disc Drive, But It’s Not Giving Up On Physical Games Yet
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed the importance of hardware affordability and efficiency for next-generation consoles like the rumored Project Helix, without confirming if it will include a disc drive. While acknowledging Sony's move towards an all-digital future, Sharma emphasized providing players with choices for purchasing games, indicating Xbox's continued commitment to physical media options.
"All of the industry needs to start to innovate on affordability and efficiency" - Xbox's Asha Sharma wants change and "more choice" for people buying consoles
Xbox boss Asha Sharma is calling for the entire gaming industry to innovate in affordability and efficiency for future console generations, citing current component price crises. She highlighted the need for more consumer choice in how consoles are purchased and used, and mentioned that Microsoft is considering new business models beyond traditional hardware sales. Sharma also noted the impact of AI datacenter demand on component pricing, which has led to recent price increases for Xbox Series S and X consoles.
Xbox to focus on "efficiency and affordability alongside performance" for next-gen console amid rising hardware costs and innovations in AI
Xbox is prioritizing efficiency and affordability alongside performance for its next-generation console, acknowledging rising hardware costs and advancements in AI. Xbox boss Asha Sharma stated that the industry needs to innovate in affordability and efficiency to provide players with more choices. Sharma also discussed the company's stance on AI, emphasizing a commitment to human-crafted games and avoiding 'soulless AI slop'.
Xbox CEO Wants to “Make Sure People Have a Choice” Between Physical and Digital Media
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company wants to ensure players have a choice between physical and digital media, acknowledging the love for physical game discs. Microsoft is also introducing a disc-to-digital initiative for Xbox One and Series X titles, allowing players to convert physical copies into digital licenses.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma won't confirm whether Project Helix has a disc drive: "We have to be thinking about…
Xbox boss Asha Sharma declined to confirm if the upcoming 'Project Helix' console will feature a disc drive, emphasizing the need for affordability and efficiency in next-generation hardware. This suggests a potential all-digital future for Xbox consoles, though the company is exploring options like a disc-to-digital program to maintain backwards compatibility.
The Biggest Gaming Stories That Happened Since GTA 5 Came Out 13 Years Ago
Since Grand Theft Auto 5's release in September 2013, the gaming landscape has seen significant shifts, including the rise of live-service games like Fortnite and the eventual decline of E3. Major events include numerous Skyrim ports, the expansion of the Watch Dogs franchise, Halo appearing on PlayStation, and Grand Theft Auto 5 itself releasing on multiple new platforms. The period also saw the rise of Andrew Wilson at EA, the entire Phil Spencer era at Xbox, the successful launch and dominance of the Nintendo Switch, and a significant increase in console prices.
The highlights of Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 showcased a variety of new titles and updates, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's free remaster and upcoming expansion stealing the spotlight. The event also featured reveals for Nodusfall, Final Fantasy 7: Revelation, Metro 2039, and numerous other games from both established and emerging studios, highlighting a strong international presence. Host Geoff Keighley acknowledged the industry's current challenges, including layoffs and hardware price increases, while celebrating developers' continued innovation.
Sony Reaffirms Return to Console-Exclusive Games With New “Only On PS5” Ad
Sony has released a new advertisement emphasizing its commitment to console-exclusive games for the PlayStation 5, featuring titles like Ghost of Yōtei, Astro Bot, and Marvel's Wolverine. While Sony continues to release multiplayer games on PC, such as Helldivers 2, the ad suggests a stronger focus on exclusive single-player experiences. This strategy mirrors recent moves by Microsoft, which is also prioritizing exclusives for Xbox Series X/S and PC, though Xbox CEO Asha Sharma notes the current business health necessitates a gradual approach to releasing more exclusive titles.
Gears of War: E-Day Story Trailer Confirmed for Gamescom Opening Night Live
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that a new story trailer for Gears of War: E-Day will premiere at Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25th. The game, a prequel focusing on Emergence Day and the origins of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago's friendship, recently concluded a successful open beta with strong player interest across PC and Xbox. Gears of War: E-Day is set to launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S on October 6th, featuring both a campaign and various multiplayer modes including Versus and Horde.