{
  "id": 12614290,
  "title": "Asha Sharma reportedly informs staff that Xbox has \"started to return to growth\" during internal town hall",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/asha-sharma-reportedly-informs-staff-that-xbox-has-started-to-return",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-07T10:59:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GamesIndustry",
    "slug": "gamesindustry",
    "url": "https://www.gamesindustry.biz/asha-sharma-reportedly-informs-staff-that-xbox-has-started-to-return-to-growth-during-internal-town-hall"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Xbox CEO Asha Sharma addressed her team during an internal town hall, revealing that after reaching an all-time low, the division has started to regain growth. Sharma explained that Xbox is implementing the appropriate measures to reinvest in the business, anticipating continued progress. Although she didn't disclose precise numbers, Sharma confirmed that the first-party segment has returned to growth and user engagement has stabilized following declines this year. Recent titles like Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons 2, and World of Warcraft Forever showcased strong launches.\n\nSharma reiterated her intention to transform Game Pass into a more adaptable system, aiming to address significant declines in the service under prior leadership. Additionally, the next-generation hardware, labeled as Project Helix, would be a family of devices rather than a single console, acknowledging that players have diverse needs. Xbox is set to manufacture a top-tier console but will also collaborate on other aspects. The operating system is demonstrating promising results, generating excitement among stakeholders.\n\nRegarding the current generation, Sharma emphasized the need for increased investment in consoles despite the segment's stagnant growth. She highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in cloud gaming, disc-to-digital programs, and Play Anywhere initiatives to strengthen Xbox Series X|S. Sharma firmly stated that Xbox is not for sale, addressing speculation about the company being spun off as a separate entity. This comes amidst Xbox's restructuring efforts, resulting in a 20% workforce reduction and the closure or sale of several studios. Recent studio reorganizations involved transferring Rare and the Halo franchise to Activision, integrating Obsidian into Bethesda, and merging Turn 10 with Playground Games.",
  "summary": "Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly held an internal town hall, telling staff that \"after an all time low, we've started to return to growth.\" Read more",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}