New Xbox CEO Considering “Range Of Options” For Exclusive Games Going Forward - Report
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who took over the role earlier this year from Phil Spencer, is reportedly carefully evaluating how Microsoft will approach exclusive games going forward. According to The Verge, Sharma is “evaluating a range of options for Xbox exclusive games” while “treading carefully” as she develops her strategy.
This shift marks a potential reversal of Microsoft’s controversial multiplatform approach of recent years, which has left core Xbox fans feeling the console has been devalued. Microsoft has now signaled it will “reevaluate our approach to exclusivity,” a significant statement for longtime players who have questioned why they should invest in Xbox hardware when major titles release across multiple platforms.
Sharma’s early leadership has already implemented several changes aimed at winning back core gaming fans, including ending the controversial “This is an Xbox” marketing campaign, rolling out new Xbox console features, and cutting Game Pass subscription prices. These moves suggest a broader strategic pivot toward re-establishing Xbox as a dedicated gaming platform rather than simply an entry point to Microsoft’s services ecosystem.
While Sharma has not detailed specific exclusivity decisions, her careful approach indicates Microsoft is weighing multiple competitive and business factors before committing to new exclusivity policies. The discussion reflects broader conversations within gaming about platform value, franchise loyalty, and how console makers differentiate their hardware in an increasingly cross-platform industry.