Asha Sharma Emphasizes New IP Development Amid Xbox Restructuring
- Asha Sharma expresses the need for Xbox to create new intellectual property (IP) beyond established franchises.
- Comments were made during a company-wide meeting, with acknowledgment of recent organizational changes at Xbox.
- Concerns arise as studios known for innovative games are downsizing amidst Microsoft’s restructuring.
Asha Sharma, the head of Xbox, has stated her intention to “create enduring new IP” while the company aligns its strategies with its most recognized gaming brands, including The Elder Scrolls and Blizzard. Sharma noted, “We will not survive if we only revive on the past,” highlighting the need for innovation within the gaming sector.
These remarks reportedly came during a town hall meeting held last week, which transcripts were claimed to be seen by Windows Central. Microsoft has been contacted for confirmation of this meeting and the accuracy of the transcripts.
During the meeting, Sharma also provided updates on Xbox’s next-generation console, known as Project Helix, and discussed the company’s efforts to recover from what she described as “an all-time low.”
“We’re backing our strongest franchises,” Sharma allegedly stated. “I want our great games to become great global billion-dollar franchises. I would also like to see us continue to create enduring new IP. We will not survive if we only revive on the past. We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP, that reaches new sets of audiences.”
However, this vision appears to conflict with Xbox’s recent strategy, which includes parting ways with independent studios like Double Fine and Compulsion, as well as Arkane, which are recognized for their innovative game concepts such as Keeper, South of Midnight, Dishonored, and Deathloop. Furthermore, the involvement of Obsidian in the development of a new Fallout title under Bethesda suggests limited opportunity for original projects.
Additional cuts at id Software and other consolidations within Xbox indicate a focus on restructuring around established gaming franchises, rather than on fostering new, creative endeavors. Currently, the most notable upcoming title indicating innovation is InXile’s Clockwork Revolution, one of only two Xbox exclusives expected to introduce significant new ideas. The potential for establishing a lasting series with this title remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the development team behind Gears of War: E-Day is facing uncertainty regarding their future despite the game’s apparent success, due to planned cuts within Microsoft’s Xbox division. The atmosphere within the division remains tense as hundreds of layoffs loom.
Dom recently reviewed Gears of War: E-Day, expressing overall enjoyment with the game, stating, “Though there’s still plenty of waist-high cover, ebb-and-flow firefighting, and braindead machismo, Gears E-Day proves that looking back can, indeed, help you look forward, too.”
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
