Xbox’s New 2030 Plan Puts Consoles, Minecraft, and Big Franchises Back in Focus

Xbox head Asha Sharma has laid out a 2030 roadmap for the business after a rough financial stretch for Microsoft’s gaming division, including a reported $1.7 billion revenue drop last year and a 10% decline in quarterly revenue.

According to a memo obtained by CNBC, Sharma’s plan puts renewed focus on consoles, global franchises, and Minecraft. The memo also points to more investment in Xbox’s biggest properties outside games, including film, TV, consumer products, sponsorships, live events, and partnerships in markets such as China.

Minecraft appears to be a major pillar of that strategy. Sharma said Microsoft plans to invest in it “more than ever before,” with an emphasis on creator tools, sharing, audience-building, and ways for creators to earn money. The stated ambition is for Xbox to reach the halfway point toward a long-term daily-player goal by fiscal 2030, with sustained double-digit growth in players and engagement.

The memo follows a difficult period for Xbox. Microsoft recently reported that Xbox added more than 200 million new players in fiscal 2026, but Sharma later said the “business did not grow with our audience.” The company is aiming to close that gap and return to growth in 2027.

Microsoft has already started making cuts tied to that reset. Earlier this month, Xbox announced layoffs affecting 3,200 employees and the divestment of five studios. CEO Satya Nadella said the company is making changes across content, platform, and operations to put the business back on a stronger path.