Microsoft Gaming is dead, and Xbox is back (again)

On April 23, 2026, Asha Sharma, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, announced during a meeting with Xbox employees that the company is dropping the 'Microsoft Gaming' name for its games division and will once again operate as Xbox. The decision was later confirmed in a blog post. Sharma noted that 'Xbox should be our identity' and that the 'Microsoft Gaming' name was a departure from the Xbox brand.

Announcement of the change

The announcement took place during a so-called all-hands meeting, where Sharma explained that the change is part of her broader effort to revitalize the Xbox brand. In recent years, Xbox has faced a number of issues, including high prices, weak console sales, and negative feedback over Microsoft’s involvement in various political issues, such as the conflict in Israel and Palestine.

Back to its roots

Microsoft renamed the Xbox division to Microsoft Gaming in 2022, alongside the appointment of Phil Spencer as CEO of the new division. The name change was meant to reflect that Xbox had grown beyond consoles alone. With the return to the Xbox name, however, Sharma appears to be aiming for a renewed focus on exclusive games and strengthening the brand identity.

New logo and slogan

In addition to the name change, The Verge reports that Xbox is testing a new logo. That new logo, along with the slogan 'return to Xbox', is visible on several walls inside Xbox offices, accompanied by messages such as 'Great Games' and 'Future of Play'. In a shared letter to employees, Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty said: "62 days in, we’re proud of how we’ve delivered on our promises around great games and the future of Xbox."

With these changes, Xbox is setting the course for a potentially new era focused on rebuilding the brand and its influence in the gaming market. The announcement comes at a crucial moment for Xbox, which is looking to redefine its position in an increasingly competitive industry.