Asha Sharma hears fans’ concerns and desires for console-exclusive video games.
Asha Sharma was promoted to Microsoft Gaming CEO as part of a restructuring on Friday, February 20, 2026. Sarah Bond, former Xbox president, has resigned from the company, and Phil Spencer, longtime Xbox head, has retired from Microsoft after nearly 40 years.
With her appointment to the top of Microsoft Gaming signaling the beginning of a new era for Xbox one gamer tweeted her to ask for the return of console exclusives. Sharma responded with, “Hear you.” She also responded to someone’s list of the top 3 Xbox exclusive franchises.
Recently, Microsoft has begun porting games from its Studios to other platforms as it continues to push the idea that most pieces of tech can be an Xbox.
Asha Sharma Wants to Bring About ‘The Return of Xbox’
In a memo she issued following her appointment as Microsoft gaming CEO, Sharma emphasized that her first commitment is to ensure there are great games for Microsoft-owned studios. Her second initiative focuses on “the return of Xbox.” Specifically, she wants to spearhead a recommitment to core Xbox fans and players.
“We will celebrate our roots with a renewed commitment to Xbox starting with console which has shaped who we are. It connects us to the players and fans who invest in Xbox, and to the developers who build ambitious experiences for it,” she wrote.
Sharma is the former head of CoreAI at Microsoft. Read her comments on AI in gaming at this link. You can read her complete memo regarding her promotion by clicking here.
What do you think, could we see the return of Xbox-exclusive video games? Sound off in our official Discord server. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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