Business Strategy
Ongoing coverage on Business Strategy.
Latest coverage
Xbox Will 'Try to Do More' Console Exclusives if the Health of Its Business Improves
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company will increase console exclusives if its business health improves, citing Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution as initial examples. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox's current business is not healthy, but emphasized the goal of making games available everywhere while also maintaining platform exclusivity. She also noted the high cost of components and hinted at radically different business models emerging later this year.
Xbox's chief strategy officer says it's currently hard to meet console demand and suggests Microsoft is rethinking Project Helix approach
Xbox's chief strategy officer, Matthew Ball, stated that the company is struggling to meet current console demand due to production limitations and is rethinking its 'Project Helix' approach. Ball indicated that these supply chain issues are expected to persist for the next 2-2.5 years, prompting Microsoft to re-evaluate the future of the console model to ensure affordability and flexibility.
The most upsetting thing about Xbox’s SGF showcase was Marcus Fenix’ jacket
Xbox's recent Summer Games Fest showcase highlighted a shift back towards console exclusivity with titles like Gears of War E-Day and Clockwork Revolution. This strategic change, spearheaded by new CEO Asha Sharma, aims to re-establish Xbox as a distinct console platform amidst an identity crisis and declining Game Pass subscriber growth. While some previously multiplatform titles will remain available on PlayStation 5, the move signifies a renewed focus on selling Xbox hardware.
Xbox Game Pass Lost “Millions of Subscribers” After 2025 Price Hike, per Chief Strategy Officer
Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball confirmed that the company lost millions of subscribers following a significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass in October. While the exact timing of the price hike is unclear, the article suggests the decision negatively impacted the service's player base, though recent efforts may be helping to regain trust.
"Our business today is not healthy": Xbox exec says plan for exclusive games is "not ready" but…
Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company's current business is "not healthy" and a new plan for exclusive games is being developed under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some games like Gears of War: E-Day will be console exclusives, live-service titles will remain multi-platform, with a clearer strategy to be communicated to players soon.
Xbox explains new exclusives policy: players "can expect a reliable pipeline" of exclusive titles in service of "turning around the business"
Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball detailed the company's new exclusive titles policy, emphasizing a commitment to a reliable pipeline of games for the Xbox platform. This strategy aims to validate player investments and drive business growth, with exceptions made for certain live service titles like Call of Duty and previously announced commitments, such as Senua's Saga: Hellblade II on PlayStation 5.
I wish more video game publishers were like Capcom - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature argues that Capcom is currently a model publisher due to its focus on high-quality games, experimentation with new intellectual property, and avoidance of layoffs. The author contrasts Capcom's approach with companies like EA and Activision, highlighting the success of Capcom's Resident Evil remakes and their willingness to take risks on new titles.
Xbox wants to become “number one gaming company” by 2030
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated her ambition for the company to become the number one gaming and entertainment company by 2030. She clarified that the focus is on overall growth rather than solely hitting profit targets for the Xbox division. Sharma's comments come ahead of the Xbox Game Showcase.
Xbox CEO says "we have to reset the business" to "be where the world plays"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the brand needs a "reset" to return to growth and "be where the world plays." She acknowledged that Xbox is not currently in a healthy financial spot and that the next 100 days will focus on business adjustments. Sharma also commented on Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, noting it occurred before the rise of AI and a different strategic focus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
God of War Laufey and Wolverine are snubbing PC, as rumoured, but I bet they come crawling back sometime after the launch of PS6
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly prioritizing console exclusivity for its first-party single-player games, including upcoming titles like God of War Laufey and Marvel's Wolverine, with no immediate plans for PC ports. This strategy, attributed to a desire to make future PlayStation consoles like the PS6 more appealing, means PC players may have to wait several years for these games to become available on their platform. The article also touches on the perceived lack of innovation in Sony's current blockbuster slate.
3 years after a $2 billion implosion, studio closures, and cancellations, Embracer's new CEO hopes 'trust is…
Embracer Group CEO Phil Rogers expressed hope for improving trust in the company despite a period of significant restructuring, studio closures, and cancellations. The company has undergone multiple reorganizations and asset sales, including the sale of Gearbox and the closure of Arc Games and Cryptic Studios. Rogers acknowledged the industry's challenges and stated that Embracer is focused on resetting and improving its position, with potential for future mergers and acquisitions guided by past learnings.
New Report Shows PlayStation First-Party Game Sales Declining, But What’s The Full Story>
A report analyzing Sony's first-party game sales reveals a significant decline from FY20 to FY25, dropping from 58.4 million to 32.1 million units. While the number of releases has fluctuated, the analysis suggests the core issue is an increasing reliance on a few blockbuster franchises like God of War and Spider-Man, with fewer new titles emerging to fill the gap.
Former Destiny 2 boss won't say "Destiny 1 remaster" out loud, but suggests it might not be a good idea: "Studios can only afford so many bets"
Former Destiny 2 lead Mark Noseworthy discussed the business considerations of game remasters, suggesting a Destiny 1 remaster might not be a wise investment for Bungie. He highlighted the high costs, opportunity costs, and market demand as key factors, implying that studios have limited resources for such projects.
Xbox Game Pass Price Cut Is Working, CEO Says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the recent price cut for Xbox Game Pass has been successful, leading to increased subscriber acquisition and retention. Sharma acknowledged that further work is needed to restore durable growth for the service. Discussions are also underway with Netflix regarding potential subscription bundle collaborations.
"I don't know where GTA Online performance goes after the release of GTA 6," Take-Two boss says, but he…
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Grand Theft Auto Online will continue to operate even after the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, though he is unsure of its specific future performance. He believes the existing online mode has a strong community and will continue to be supported by Rockstar Games, potentially existing alongside a new online component tied to Grand Theft Auto 6.
The Hidden Long-Term Costs of Choosing the Wrong Game Engine
Choosing the right game engine is a critical long-term business decision with significant cost implications throughout a game's lifecycle, not just a technical one. Proprietary and niche engines often lead to higher costs in talent acquisition, platform compatibility, and post-launch support compared to widely adopted commercial engines like Unreal Engine, which benefit from larger talent pools and established tooling.
