Xbox wants to support established franchises while developing new IP
Xbox boss Asha Sharma says Microsoft will keep backing franchises like Forza, Halo and Gears of War, but also needs new IP.
- According to the report, Sharma warned that Xbox cannot survive by only bringing back old series.
- The source mentions Forza Horizon, Halo, Gears of War, Fable, Clockwork Revolution and Kojima projects as part of Xbox’s current and future plans.
What happened
In a town hall shared by Windows Central, Xbox boss Asha Sharma reportedly told GameSpot that Microsoft will continue supporting its strongest franchises. She said she wants the best Xbox games to grow into major global franchises, while the company also keeps working on new, sustainable IP.
Sharma also reportedly said that Xbox cannot survive if it only keeps reviving old franchises. The article frames this as a two-track strategy: existing brands remain important, but there also needs to be room for new ideas and new audiences.
GameSpot places those comments in the context of Xbox’s current release strategy, which this year is leaning heavily on big names like Forza Horizon, Halo and Gears of War. For next year, the publication points to a new Fable and InXile Entertainment’s Clockwork Revolution among the planned releases.
The same reporting also refers to collaborations with Hideo Kojima on OD and Physint. In the provided context, Xbox and Kojima Productions are said to have expanded their partnership to publish Physint, although timing and the exact rollout are still subject to change, according to the source.
Timeline
2026-10-13: GameSpot publishes an article about comments from Xbox boss Asha Sharma in a reported town hall.
2026-10-13: Windows Central is cited as the source of the town hall comments referenced in the article.
2026-10-13: The report links Xbox’s current strategy to franchises such as Forza Horizon, Halo and Gears of War.
2026-10-13: The source mentions Fable and Clockwork Revolution among next year’s releases.
2026-09-09: According to the provided external context, Xbox and Kojima Productions announce an expanded partnership around Physint.
Background
The core of the story is that Xbox is reportedly trying to follow two paths at once: continue building up existing brands while also developing new intellectual properties. The source explicitly names Forza Horizon, Halo and Gears of War as established pillars, while Fable, Clockwork Revolution and Kojima projects are mentioned as future or ongoing parts of the plan.
GameSpot adds an editorial observation that it is notable to see Xbox emphasize more original content, especially after the company previously lost studios known for distinctive or story-driven games. No specific studios or projects are named in that remark in the provided material.