Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Says Xbox Division Is Not for Sale
Sharma told the New York Times that Xbox will seek the right partnerships and operating model, without ruling out a LinkedIn-style subsidiary structure.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said the Xbox gaming division is not for sale, in an interview with the New York Times. The comments, reported by Game Developer, address speculation about the unit's future under Microsoft.
Sharma said Xbox will pursue the right partnerships and operating model to set the company up for success. Her statement that the division is not for sale does not rule out Microsoft restructuring Xbox to operate more like LinkedIn as an independent subsidiary.
In June, a report from The Information said Microsoft had no immediate plans to spin off Xbox but had not ruled out spinning it out or restructuring it as a wholly-owned subsidiary or a joint venture.
Sharma took over as Xbox CEO from Phil Spencer in February. By July, her Xbox had laid off 1,600 people, with 1,600 more expected later in the year, in what she described as the most significant restructure in Xbox history. In a staff note, she said Xbox lost 64 cents for every dollar it invested.
Quick answers
Is Xbox for sale?
No. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said in a New York Times interview that the Xbox gaming division is not for sale.
Could Microsoft still restructure Xbox?
Sharma's comments do not rule out Microsoft restructuring Xbox to operate more like LinkedIn as an independent subsidiary.
When did Asha Sharma become Xbox CEO?
Sharma took over as Xbox CEO from Phil Spencer in February.