Asha Sharma Freezes Game Pass Third-Party Deals as Xbox Misses Subscriber Targets
Updated
Updated · ComicBook.com · Jun 29
Asha Sharma Freezes Game Pass Third-Party Deals as Xbox Misses Subscriber Targets
3 articles · Updated · ComicBook.com · Jun 29
Summary
Multiple developers at Italy's First Playable event said Xbox halted new Game Pass third-party agreements and withdrew some offers already under negotiation, leaving indie studios scrambling for upfront funding.
The reported freeze is tied to Asha Sharma's strategy reset after Game Pass growth proved unsustainable—profitable, but at the cost of other Xbox revenue streams and still short of internal subscriber goals.
That review could sharply reduce third-party day-one additions, a notable shift for a service once built on aggressive expansion and cash deals that helped smaller studios finance launches.
The report remains unofficial, but it aligns with earlier accounts from industry figures saying Microsoft had paused new third-party Game Pass contracts during a broader Xbox business review.