Xbox charts a new course: These are its four priorities for the future

Xbox is entering a new phase. Following several thousand layoffs, the spin-off of four studios and a major corporate restructuring, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined the company's strategic priorities for the coming years. The information comes from an internal memo that The Verge says it has obtained.

The short-term goal is clearly defined: by the end of Microsoft's fiscal year 2027, which concludes next June, Xbox aims to return to growth in both player numbers and revenue. At the same time, the company wants to bring profitability back in line with industry averages. To achieve this, Microsoft is focusing on four strategic pillars collectively known as the "Four C's": Core, Content, Creation and Connection.

The new strategy has so far been met with considerable skepticism on Reddit. Many users see the four priorities as little more than corporate buzzwords and doubt that such ambitious goals can be achieved given the recent layoffs and Xbox's track record. The planned expansion of Minecraft has drawn particularly strong criticism, with many users fearing it will primarily lead to more aggressive monetization. While the renewed focus on consoles has received some praise, the overall mood in the community remains cautious.

1. Core: Strengthening the console and platform

According to Sharma, the Xbox console will continue to serve as the foundation of the brand. It still generates the largest share of Xbox revenue. Game Pass, Windows, cloud gaming and the Xbox operating system are intended to complement the console while helping Microsoft reach more players and developers. In line with this renewed console focus, Microsoft also appears to be placing greater emphasis on exclusivity. Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are planned as console exclusives for Xbox, with similar decisions reportedly already in the pipeline.

2. Content: Turning games into global franchises

Microsoft plans to invest more heavily in transforming successful games into long-term, globally recognized franchises. To achieve this, the company intends to focus its studios more strongly on its biggest existing IPs and the most promising new ideas. Rather than simply releasing standalone games, Microsoft wants to create long-term development roadmaps for its major franchises. One example is the ongoing expansion of Fallout, including the Amazon TV series, new content for Fallout 76 and long-term plans for a fifth mainline entry.

3. Creation: Turning Minecraft into a creator platform

Microsoft wants to position Minecraft as more than just a game. Similar to Roblox or Fortnite, the company aims to transform the sandbox phenomenon into a broader ecosystem where creators can build, publish and potentially monetize their own content. According to the memo, Microsoft plans to invest more money into Minecraft than ever before. However, it does not specify which new features or business models this strategy will ultimately introduce.

4. Connection: Expanding Xbox franchises beyond gaming

The fourth pillar focuses on extending Xbox's biggest franchises beyond traditional video games. Microsoft plans to pursue long-term franchise strategies encompassing films, TV series, merchandise, sponsorships and live experiences. Xbox also intends to establish new international partnerships, with China specifically highlighted as an important market.