Sharma, who took over Xbox after Phil Spencer retired in February, has been focused on rebuilding confidence in the brand. Recent moves include achievement improvements, new Xbox experience features, a large Xbox Game Pass price cut, and the end of the broader “Microsoft Gaming” label.
During a company wide meeting, Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff that the company needs to be honest about its current position. She said players are frustrated because Xbox consoles have not been updated enough and because the Xbox PC experience is not as strong as it should be.
Her first priority is what she called restoring the core. That means improving the parts of Xbox that players interact with every day, including console software, PC features, speed, usability, and the overall path to getting into games faster.
The planned update pace is ambitious. Console updates every two weeks would mark a clear shift toward faster iteration, especially if those updates focus on practical fixes rather than only small background changes.
Here is the main plan in simple terms:
| Area | What Sharma wants to improve |
|---|---|
| Console | More frequent updates and better daily usability |
| PC | Stronger Xbox app and platform experience |
| Speed | Faster path into games and fewer friction points |
| Fundamentals | Fix basic issues before chasing bigger ideas |
| Hardware | Project Helix as a major future step |
| Community | More focus on what players actually need |
Project Helix remains a major part of Xbox’s hardware future. The console and PC hybrid system is expected to be a key step for Xbox, with Sharma saying it needs to improve console games, PC games, performance, and security.
She also touched on exclusivity, though no firm decision was shared. Xbox is reportedly still looking at different options, which could mean some games stay exclusive while others continue to launch across more platforms. The larger goal appears to be bringing players into the Xbox ecosystem and keeping them active there.
Sharma also said daily active players will be a key measure for Xbox going forward. That fits with her wider focus on making Xbox a platform people return to often, not only a device they use occasionally.
The leadership changes at Xbox are also part of that plan. Sharma said the company needs to move faster and spend more time with the community instead of looking inward. Some longtime Xbox leaders have been promoted, while new leaders with consumer and technical experience have also joined.
For Xbox players, the most important part is simple. Sharma appears to know that the basics need work. A stronger dashboard, better PC app, faster updates, improved achievements, fewer rough edges, and clearer hardware direction could help Xbox feel more focused again.
The next test is execution. Promising updates every two weeks is one thing. Delivering useful changes that make Xbox better on console and PC is what will decide whether this new direction works.
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