Something interesting is happening online with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
This story starts in LinkedIn, where Professor Joost van Dreunen shared an article analyzing the rumor that Asha said Game Pass is too expensive. Professor van Dreunen believes that Asha will shift Game Pass’ model to an advertising-supported model.
Shawn Layden, who had previously worked as CEO for PlayStation, shared this comment on Professor van Dreunen’s post five days ago:
They are trying so hard to will this into health, despite unfavorable diagnostics and a grim prognosis. A clarifying post mortem would do the entire industry some good.
And then, three days ago (just before the weekend), Xbox CEO Asha Sharma came in to reply to Shawn. She simply said this:
@shawn layden I would love to chat sometime
Of course, we should not have to point this out, but industry figures, people who work for competing companies, have discussions like this all the time.
What seems remarkable is that Asha is willing to hear this criticism out in person and signaling it in public.
We doubt that Shawn can singlehandedly end Game Pass, but he may actually get his chance.
