Microsoft Gaming Chief Affirms Xbox is Not Available for Sale

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Denies Reports of Xbox Sale

Recent rumors suggesting that Microsoft was considering selling off its Xbox business have been denied by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. In an interview with The New York Times, Sharma stated, “Xbox is not for sale. We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for success and will explore the right partnerships and operating models to achieve that goal.”

Earlier reports had indicated that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood were considering spinning out Xbox entirely. However, it seems that both executives have since supported Sharma’s plans to overhaul the unit instead.

The restructuring of Xbox, announced by Sharma in June, is being viewed as a reset for the division. This includes laying off up to 3,200 Xbox employees over the course of Microsoft’s 2027 financial year, which ends in June.

Nadella has expressed his support for Sharma’s restructuring efforts, emphasizing the need to streamline the team and develop a sustainable business model to expand gaming opportunities.

Recent changes within Xbox Game Studios, such as moving Halo under Activision and reorganizing development teams, suggest a shift towards making Xbox a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft.

While the possibility of an Xbox sale remains in the future, Microsoft’s current focus is on revitalizing the Xbox brand by reducing management layers, emphasizing larger franchises, and pursuing growth opportunities.

As Sharma aptly stated, “The plan’s the plan until it’s not the plan.”