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Windows Central reports that Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told employees at a Town Hall that the company must keep backing its established franchises while creating new intellectual property. The outlet attributes the remarks to a transcript it describes as unauthorized, so the quotation has not been confirmed by an official recording or transcript.

What Sharma reportedly said

In an article published October 13, 2026, Windows Central’s Jez Corden reported that Sharma discussed Xbox’s content strategy at a Town Hall held during the preceding week. The outlet attributed this passage to her: “We’re backing our strongest franchises. 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.”

Windows Central also attributed this line to Sharma: “We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP, that reaches new sets of audiences.” The remarks, as reported, present established franchises and new intellectual property as parallel priorities—not as mutually exclusive choices.

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What the reported strategy means

The stated aim is to sustain Xbox’s strongest existing series while developing original properties that could appeal to audiences beyond those franchises. Sharma’s reported warning that Xbox cannot rely only on the past signals why she sees new IP as important to the company’s future. It does not establish which projects Xbox will make, how much it will invest, or whether any new game will succeed.

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The report places the remarks amid changes to Xbox’s content portfolio and studio organization. According to Windows Central, Sharma reiterated a focus on major franchises, discussed opportunities to grow King and casual gaming, and spoke about simplifying studios. The article also refers to previously announced moves involving Halo and Sea of Thieves. These details provide context, but they do not show that Xbox is abandoning either established series or new projects.

How certain is the quotation?

Windows Central says the transcript was “wholly unauthorized” and was shared with the outlet by multiple sources it described as trusted. The outlet is the available source for the wording and Town Hall context; no official recording or authorized transcript is established here. The remarks should therefore be understood as reported, not independently authenticated.

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The headline’s description of employees as “rattled” is not substantiated by the quoted remarks. The comments attributed to Sharma support a report about Xbox’s content strategy, but they do not establish employees’ reactions or state of mind.

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What remains unknown

  • Which new intellectual properties Xbox may develop or release.
  • How the company will allocate budgets or staff between existing franchises and new projects.
  • Whether the reported strategy will lead to successful games or reach new audiences.
  • Whether an official recording or authorized transcript will confirm the exact wording and context.

Windows Central’s report, “Despite cuts, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma wants to keep building ‘enduring’ new IP — with a warning in tow,” was published October 13, 2026: read the report.

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