Xbox CEO denies rumors that Microsoft gaming division is for sale

Updated at: October 1, 2026 at 03:45 AM

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has officially cleared the air regarding the future of the company's gaming division.

nounXbox

nounCEO

verbclear

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Sharma firmly denied persistent rumors that Microsoft is planning to sell or spin off the Xbox brand.

nouninterview

adverbfirmly

verbdeny

verbplan

nounXbox

Addressing the speculation, she stated, "Xbox is not for sale," emphasizing that the company is committed to a long-term strategy for success.

nounXbox

Since taking the helm in February 2026, Sharma has led a significant "Xbox reset" to improve profitability.

nounFebruary

nounXbox

nounprofitability

While Xbox accounts for about 6% of Microsoft's total profits, the division has faced pressure to overcome sluggish hardware sales and improve its financial sustainability.

nounXbox

adjectivefinancial

This clarification helps distinguish current strategic shifts from past unrelated rumors, such as the 2025 speculation regarding former CEO Phil Spencer.

nounCEO

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Challenge Mode

Comprehension Questions

What did Xbox CEO Asha Sharma say about the future of the gaming division?

It is currently being auctioned to the highest bidder.

It will be spun off into a separate company.

Xbox is not for sale.

Reveal Answer

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Correct Choice

Xbox is not for sale.

What is the primary goal of the current "Xbox reset" led by Asha Sharma?

To completely exit the hardware manufacturing market.

To improve the division's profitability and focus on major franchises.

To increase the number of independent studios.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

To improve the division's profitability and focus on major franchises.

Which franchises are mentioned as a priority for the division's new business model?

Gears of War and Forza.

Halo and Fable.

Minecraft, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Minecraft, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls.

What was the context of the rumors addressed in the article?

A plan to switch exclusively to cloud gaming.

A proposal to merge with a major console competitor.

Speculation that Microsoft might sell or spin off the gaming division.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Speculation that Microsoft might sell or spin off the gaming division.

How does the article distinguish the current situation from events in 2025?

The 2025 rumors concerned the resignation of former CEO Phil Spencer.

The 2025 rumors were about Microsoft changing its name.

The 2025 rumors were about the acquisition of Activision.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

The 2025 rumors concerned the resignation of former CEO Phil Spencer.

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