Xbox CEO Asha Sharma clarifies her desires to make Xbox an open platform for players to create, and where that stands with products such as the ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices.
Since taking over the Xbox business, Asha Sharma has made major decisions, shaking up many of the previous Xbox regime’s core philosophies. Following the retirement of Phil Spencer and the resignation of Sarah Bond, Sharma has lowered the price of the Ultimate tier of Xbox Game Pass, done away with the “This Is An Xbox” campaign, and is even moving away from the “Microsoft Gaming” branding
In a recent joint memo attributed to both Asha Sharma and Xbox CCO Matt Booty, Sharma made it clear that she wants Xbox to be defined by affordability, personalization, and openness. She hopes Xbox will be the most open platform for players to express themselves and for creators to design individual games that can set Xbox apart from other platforms.
Xbox’s Open Platform Vision Explained by Asha Sharma
During an interview with Stephen Totilo of Game File, Sharma was asked whether “Open” meant that different storefronts were available on Xbox hardware. As an example, Epic Games has claimed that its storefront would be available on the next-generation Xbox. In response, the CEO of Microsoft’s gaming division clarified that she wants an open platform that lets players personalize their experience.
“So what we shared with our team is that we want the platform to be open for more people to create on the platform and more players to participate in customizing and extending that,” Sharma said.
Asha Sharma Addresses Xbox Ally
When the Xbox Ally handheld was mentioned, which offers different storefronts in addition to the Microsoft Store, Sharma was clear that any plans in place would be reevaluated as she works more closely with her team and Xbox’s partners.
“I wasn’t part of those conversations, so we’ll make those decisions going forward as a team and with our partners,” Sharma said. “We’ll share more when we can.”
Another pillar of Xbox’s future will be affordability. Players can read Asha Sharma’s comments on that topic here.
How do you feel about the moves made so far to increase affordability for Xbox players? Sound off in our official Discord server. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Comments