Asha Sharma, Microsoft's new gaming CEO, has reportedly discussed bundling Xbox Game Pass with Netflix to reduce costs for subscribers. These efforts follow recent price increases for the service. The ideas emerged from conversations with Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters.
Asha Sharma has led Microsoft Gaming for about a month, succeeding Phil Spencer. According to a profile in The Information, Sharma quickly ended the “This Is An Xbox” marketing campaign upon taking over, removing all traces from Microsoft's channels. She has also been exploring ways to make Game Pass more affordable amid the service's challenges. Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters confirmed discussing ideas with Sharma, including potential bundling of Game Pass with Netflix subscriptions. The goal is to lower the effective cost for users after Microsoft raised Game Pass Ultimate to $30 last fall. Microsoft has considered an ad-supported tier for Game Pass, similar to Netflix's model introduced in 2022. Such a tier could attract more subscribers by offering a lower entry price while generating ad revenue. These moves come as Xbox faces platform decline, though Sharma has not yet outlined a major strategic shift. Earlier, she mentioned returning to the console's roots during the reorganization, and Project Helix—a gaming PC for Xbox titles—remains in development.
