The debate surrounding game exclusivity has intensified as titles increasingly become available on multiple platforms. While Xbox has previously championed multi-platform accessibility, this approach might be undergoing a shift.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma suggested that the platform would benefit from exclusive games to offer greater appeal to potential customers. Speaking with Emily Chang, Executive Producer and Host of Bloomberg Originals, Sharma stated, “It’s a tough topic. Look, we’re the number two publisher in the world, and in order to be a great publisher, you must have your games reach large audiences to play.”
Sharma further elaborated, “At the same time, we’re increasingly becoming a platform, and in order to become a platform, you must have exclusive content and services. And so we’re looking at that very closely. I think that we have to be very thoughtful about each title, on how we want to think about it, and learn from similar cases in the industry, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Although Sharma provided few specifics, her remarks highlight a recent shift in her strategy and philosophy aimed at revitalizing the Xbox brand’s image and value. Beyond focusing on a new console (codenamed Helix), Sharma recently reduced the price of Xbox Game Pass, noting in an internal memo that the service had become “too expensive for players” and needed to “create a better value equation.”
These statements may align with the upcoming Xbox Showcase during Summer Game Fest 2026, which is expected to feature games in development and potentially some surprise reveals that could become Xbox exclusives. CGM will provide live coverage of the event on Sunday, June 7th, 2026.