New Xbox CEO Already Responds to Fans, Addresses Exclusives Topic

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Since becoming CEO of Microsoft Gaming on February 20, 2026, Asha Sharma has begun engaging with the Xbox community on social media. In one exchange, after a fan asked her to bring back console exclusives, Sharma responded, “Hear you.” While this doesn’t confirm a shift in strategy, some players interpret Sharma’s message as a sign that the new leadership is aware of the desire for more console exclusives. Franchises like Halo, Forza, and Gears of War have historically been closely tied to the Xbox brand. In recent years, however, Microsoft has released many of its titles on competing platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo, and PC. This multiplatform approach has led some to question the value of purchasing an Xbox console. When another user shared a list of the top three exclusive franchises for Xbox, Sharma replied, “Gotcha.” Asha Sharma, @ashashar, February 21, 2026 Asha Sharma, @ashashar, February 21, 2026 To view this content, please enable target cookies. Manage cookie settings

New CEO Sharma Embraces Xbox Community’s Ecosystem Strategy Conundrum

It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will return to a strategy of heavily protecting its ecosystem with exclusive titles or continue its cross-platform releases. Sharma’s appointment as CEO followed the departure of former Xbox president Sarah Bond and the retirement of Phil Spencer, a longtime leader at Xbox, after nearly 40 years with Microsoft, suggesting the new CEO is listening to the Xbox community.

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