New Xbox Boss Asha Sharma Admits Showing PS5 Logos at Xbox Showcase 'Was a Miss, and I Own It'

Xbox boss Asha Sharma has reacted to negative feedback over Microsoft's decision to continue showing competing platform logos at its upcoming Xbox Games Showcase, suggesting it will stop doing so for future shows.

Sharma, who took over as head of Xbox from Phil Spencer earlier this year, has embarked on a rebrand of the gaming business in a bid to win back core Xbox fans following years of disenchantment. Her early decisions include ending the controversial "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign, rolling out quickfire new Xbox console features, and switching from 'Xbox' to 'XBOX' in official branding.

The Backlash

Following the delay of Fable to early 2027, Microsoft confirmed it would "continue the precedent" by highlighting competing platforms during its 2026 Xbox Showcase on June 7. Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty told fans on the Official Xbox Podcast to expect the company to be transparent about what platforms its games are coming to — meaning PlayStation logos would appear in Xbox-hosted trailers.

"We'll be very clear about what platforms a game is coming to and want to continue the precedent. I think we've got a good system going, where we make it clear in Showcase." — Matt Booty, Xbox Chief Content Officer

Sony, however, does not return the favor — including Xbox logos in trailers for games shown during State of Play. This asymmetry means Xbox fans see PS5 logos in trailers for Fable, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and even Halo: Campaign Evolved during a show supposedly celebrating Xbox, while Sony's equivalent showcases remain Xbox-free.

Hardcore Xbox fans voiced disappointment, particularly via prominent community figure Klobrille, who said: "I feel like the bare minimum expectation many had was for Xbox to really focus on their own platform at least for the time of the Showcase."

Sharma's Response

Sharma responded directly on X/Twitter: "Seeing the feedback on logos. It was a miss, and I own it. We are talking about how we adjust for future XBOX shows."

That response itself sparked further discussion. IGN's Ryan McCaffrey questioned whether pretending multiplatform games are exclusive during a showcase helps anyone: "IMHO the people that are upset about this are really just upset that those games aren't exclusive to Xbox. I don't think pretending something is exclusive during your Showcase when it's really not is particularly beneficial to anyone."

Some fans welcomed Sharma's transparency, with one saying: "XBOX Showcase needs to be for XBOX fans. You can't win over new fans or keep current fans when promoting you don't need an XBOX at your biggest spotlight of the year."

The Bigger Picture

Sharma faces a tough job — turning Xbox around financially while keeping hardcore fans onside. Microsoft has shown no indication of abandoning its multiplatform push, especially given the success of titles like Forza Horizon on PS5. Earlier this month, Microsoft said it would "reevaluate our approach to exclusivity," while Sony continues retreating further into console exclusivity, having pulled back from PC.

The Xbox Games Showcase takes place June 7, followed by a dedicated Gears of War: E-Day Direct. It remains to be seen whether Sharma's pledge to "adjust" will take effect in time for this year's show.