Sharma Shuts Down Xbox Sale Rumors: 'Xbox is Not For Sale'
Microsoft Gaming EVP and Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has quelled speculation surrounding the sale of the company's Xbox division. Despite rumors following a round of layoffs across its gaming division, Sharma told The New York Times that 'Xbox is not for sale.' However, she noted that the company will explore partnerships and operating models to set itself up for success.
The layoffs, which eliminated 1,900 gaming jobs, followed Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Sharma, who took over as head of Xbox after Phil Spencer, has been working to return the brand to its former glory. She ended a controversial campaign called 'This is an Xbox' and announced a next-generation system codenamed Project Helix.
However, concerns remain due to market uncertainties, including chip shortages driven by rapid AI factory buildouts, which have increased prices for consumer hardware like game consoles.