Xbox CEO: We Must Rely On The Past, But We Cannot Rely On The Past

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has once again discussed the new direction for Microsoft's gaming division and how it'll continue to focus heavily on its biggest franchises, while also calling on its studios to create new IP. According to Sharma, relying solely on established franchises can only take Xbox so far, and without an injection of fresh IP blood, Xbox will not survive.

"We're backing our strongest franchises. I want our great games to become great global billion-dollar franchises," Sharma said in a town hall meeting shared with Windows Central. "I would also like to see us continue to create enduring new IP. We will not survive if we only revive on the past. We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP that reaches new sets of audiences."

This year has focused primarily on several of Xbox's biggest franchises, like Forza Horizon, Halo, and Gears of War, ahead of the release of Call of Duty: …