Microsoft’s new Xbox chief is ‘reevaluating’ exclusive games
The Verge • • general
Key Points:
- Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a strategic shift during an all-hands meeting, including rebranding Microsoft Gaming back to Xbox and reevaluating Xbox exclusives and windowed game releases.
- The company is reconsidering its approach to exclusivity, especially after porting games like Forza Horizon 5 to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, but no firm decision to return to exclusives has been made.
- Microsoft may experiment with timed exclusivity for first-party titles, with Forza Horizon 6 potentially launching first on Xbox and PC before releasing on PS5.
- Xbox’s new focus is on increasing daily active players, prioritizing hardware, content, experiences, and services as part of its broader “master plan.”
- The joint memo from Sharma and Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty emphasizes transparency about current challenges and future directions for Xbox.
