Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has directly addressed speculation surrounding the potential sale of the company, stating definitively, "Xbox is not for sale." In a recent interview with The New York Times, Sharma emphasized that Xbox is committed to "do whatever it takes to set the company up for success." This includes exploring "the right partnerships, the right operating model and everything needed to achieve that."
Sharma's remarks appear to counter previous reports suggesting that a sale of the Xbox division was under consideration. However, her statement leaves open the possibility of significant structural changes, such as a spin-off or the formation of joint ventures with other entities.
These comments follow recent implications from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella regarding a potential major structural overhaul for Xbox. Nadella indicated that following a period of "streamlining"—a term used to describe extensive layoffs and studio consolidations—the company must "invent the right sustainable business model that allows us to deliver gaming to more and more people."
The ongoing restructuring at Xbox, characterized by significant workforce reductions and studio integration or closure, is reportedly nearing completion. Xbox CCO Matt Booty previously stated that the "reset" initiative, which began in July, is approximately three-quarters complete. The exact nature of the future business model for Xbox is expected to become clearer as these organizational adjustments conclude.