The new Xbox CEO listens to fans and opens debate on exclusive games

Xbox facing a possible strategic turn: more exclusives or multi-platform continuity?

More stories in the category News

• What time can you play Resident Evil Requiem in Spain and Latin America? Confirmed schedules review
• Get a free retrocompatible Capcom game for Xbox Series
• The new Xbox CEO promises a new console and a “return” to the brand’s roots

The shake-up in the Microsoft Gaming hierarchy doesn’t just mean a change of names, but also a possible redefinition of Xbox’s direction. Following the departure of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, the arrival of Asha Sharma has opened an era marked by uncomfortable questions: will Xbox continue to bet strongly on a multi-platform strategy or will we see a return to exclusives as the driving force behind hardware sales?

The conversation was sparked after Sharma responded with a brief but significant “I’m listening” on social media to a user who asked to preserve Xbox’s identity by reinforcing its historical franchises as console exclusives.

Exclusives as the central axis or an open platform without limits?

Over the past few years, Xbox has expanded its reach to PC, mobile, and cloud, taking some of its most important franchises beyond the traditional console ecosystem. This strategy has redefined the role of hardware in the business.

However, part of the community believes that brands like Halo, Forza, or Gears of War should maintain a stronger bond with the console to drive sales and reinforce the brand’s identity.

Sharma’s brief message doesn’t confirm any immediate changes, but it suggests that the new direction is willing to listen to these concerns. At a time when Xbox promises to strengthen its commitment to the console, the question is whether this support will involve recovering a more selective policy with its most iconic IPs.

Hi @asha_shar, as the new Xbox CEO I hope that you understand how important exclusive games are and how games like Halo, Forza, Gears. Fable… Created an identity for Xbox and its players becoming a key point for Xbox’s success. Xbox games must be only on Xbox pic.twitter.com/HawJMfwTez

— Alejandro (@Alejandromp66) February 21, 2026