Full Breakdown
Asha Sharma’s First Six Months Steering Xbox
By Drooid · · How we work
Executive Actions and Market Moves
In her initial half-year as Xbox chief executive, Asha Sharma has overseen several high-profile changes. She terminated the divisive “This is Xbox” advertising campaign and reduced the subscription price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. At the same time, Sharma presided over a series of workforce reductions and the spin-out of development studios, actions that have drawn considerable attention within the gaming community.
Direct Player Interaction
According to a profile in *The Wall Street Journal* highlighted by IGN, Sharma allocates a few hours each month to answer Xbox customer-support tickets herself. She has said that this hands-on approach helps her grasp the complexity of individual player issues and informs broader product decisions.
Strategic Focus on Core Franchises
Sharma has communicated to Xbox studios that the company should prioritize its “underserved core franchises.” This directive has been linked to renewed emphasis on long-standing series that appeal to the platform’s core audience.
New Development Partnerships
Under Sharma’s leadership, Obsidian Entertainment—renowned for *Fallout: New Vegas*—has begun work on a new Fallout role-playing game, with series veteran Josh Sawyer serving as director. Additionally, Sharma secured a multi-project agreement with celebrated game creator Hideo Kojima. The deal expands Kojima’s existing collaboration on the horror title *OD* to also include development of *Physint*, a spiritual successor to the *Metal Gear Solid* series that was originally slated as a PlayStation exclusive before being cancelled.
Outlook
Commentators note that Sharma’s blend of cost-cutting measures, direct player engagement, and high-profile development deals signals a concerted effort to revitalize Xbox’s core gaming portfolio while navigating the challenges of a competitive market.