Asha Sharma reportedly tells rattled Xbox employees: “We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP”
During an internal town hall meeting, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma emphasized the importance of creating new intellectual property alongside the company’s focus on established franchises. According to transcripts shared by Windows Central, Sharma stated: “We will not survive if we only revive on the past. We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP.”
The comments come at a time when Xbox has undergone significant organizational changes, including thousands of layoffs and the cancellation of multiple projects. Most recently, the company reorganized Obsidian Entertainment to focus primarily on Fallout rather than newer projects, signaling a strategic pivot toward proven, revenue-generating franchises.
Sharma outlined a dual approach: backing the company’s strongest franchises with the goal of turning “great games into great global billion-dollar franchises,” while simultaneously maintaining investment in new IP creation. She acknowledged that established franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Blizzard titles form the foundation of Xbox’s business strategy.
The remarks appear aimed at reassuring employees that despite organizational restructuring and focus on major franchises, Xbox remains committed to innovation and developing original content. This balancing act addresses a critical challenge: relying too heavily on legacy titles risks creative stagnation, yet investing heavily in unproven new IP carries significant financial risk, particularly given Xbox’s recent cost-cutting measures.
Sources
- Asha Sharma reportedly tells rattled Xbox employees: “We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP”
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