Xbox leader Asha Sharma has reportedly urged employees to focus on creating "enduring new IP" and finding "new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP." These statements were made during a company-wide town hall meeting, according to transcripts reviewed by Windows Central. Sharma stressed that the company "will not survive if we only revive on the past," highlighting a need for innovation alongside the planned organization around major gaming brands like The Elder Scrolls and Blizzard.
Sharma's remarks come at a time of significant restructuring within the Xbox division. The company has reportedly parted ways with studios such as Double Fine and Compulsion, and potentially Arkane, all of which have a history of developing original game concepts. This includes titles like Keeper and South of Midnight from Compulsion, and Dishonored and Deathloop from Arkane. Furthermore, Obsidian Entertainment, known for its original IPs, is reportedly working on a Fallout game under Bethesda, suggesting a potential shift away from wholly original projects for that studio.
Recent actions, including layoffs at id Software and consolidation across other Xbox gaming divisions, appear to align with a strategy focused on major existing brands rather than taking new creative risks. The upcoming game Clockwork Revolution from InXile is cited as one of the few upcoming Xbox exclusives that could represent a significant new idea. Meanwhile, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day is reportedly facing uncertainty about its future despite the game's positive reception, with hundreds of additional layoffs anticipated within Microsoft's Xbox division.
Despite these seemingly contradictory actions, Sharma's message emphasizes a strategic necessity for Xbox to foster invention and develop new intellectual property to ensure long-term survival and reach new audiences. The company is also reportedly investing in Hideo Kojima's new project, Physint.