Moon Studios' Thomas Mahler on Xbox's focus on the past and the future
Intelligence Summary
- Thomas Mahler of Moon Studios speaks out about recent changes at Xbox and their impact on the games industry.
In brief
- Thomas Mahler, co-founder of Moon Studios, expresses concern about the recent changes at Xbox.
- There are rumors of possible closures of several Xbox studios, including Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory.
- Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has announced a company-wide 'reset', raising questions about the future.
GAME-scanner analysis
Thomas Mahler's recent comments, known for the Ori series, cast a shadow over Xbox's future. Mahler describes the current situation as 'heartbreaking', underscoring the seriousness of the changes. Xbox's focus on the past, as he puts it, could become a barrier to innovation and growth. This is especially relevant now that rumors are circulating about possible closures of studios that have created unique and well-regarded titles. The announced 'reset' by Asha Sharma could give Xbox a chance to reinvent itself, but it also raises questions about the direction the company will take.
What does this mean for players?
For gamers, this is a period of uncertainty. The future of beloved studios like Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory is at stake, which could affect the development of new titles. Players may worry about the continuity of their favorite franchises and the quality of future releases. The changes at Xbox could also impact the availability of exclusive titles, further intensifying competition between consoles.
Timeline
15 June 2026: Craig Duncan and Louise O'Connor leave Xbox, marking a major shift in leadership.
Current: Thomas Mahler voices concerns about Xbox's focus on the past and its impact on the games industry.