Xbox CEO Asserts Microsoft Has No Plans to Sell Gaming Division
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has emphasised that Microsoft has no plans to sell its gaming division, amidst various restructuring measures, layoffs, studio closures, and the cancellation of several projects undertaken by the company in recent years.
“Xbox is not for sale,” said Asha, as quoted from a Gadgets 360 report on Thursday (1/10) local time.
She stated that Microsoft will take all necessary steps to ensure the Xbox business can thrive again, including considering appropriate partnerships and operational models.
“We will do whatever is necessary to prepare the company for success, and we will look at the right partnerships, the right operational models, and everything required to achieve that,” she said.
The report follows a period where Xbox has faced various business challenges in recent years, particularly following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.
Since the acquisition, Microsoft has closed several studios, cancelled various game projects, and laid off thousands of workers within its gaming division.
Meanwhile, Xbox is still conducting consultations with employees at Ninja Theory regarding the potential closure of the Hellblade developer studio.
Microsoft is also in discussions with Arkane in France regarding several strategic options, including the possibility of selling or spinning off the studio.
“We still have a long journey ahead with Microsoft, and we will take a long-term view,” said Asha.
Asha previously revealed that Xbox is facing business pressure and needs to implement changes across hardware, content, and services. She noted that Xbox currently holds only about a three per cent accountability margin, an internal Microsoft metric used to measure divisional profitability.
Despite these pressures, Asha asserted that Xbox remains an integral part of Microsoft, and the company will strive to rebuild its gaming business through structural changes, partnerships, and appropriate operational models.