Trending Now - Microsoft Reinstates Xbox Branding, Discontinues Microsoft Gaming

WHO:

The Verge - Asha Sharma is the Xbox CEO.

The Verge - Phil Spencer was promoted to Microsoft Gaming CEO in 2022.

WHAT:

The Verge - Microsoft is returning to using the Xbox branding for its gaming division, discontinuing Microsoft Gaming.

The Verge - Asha Sharma stated, “Xbox needs to be our identity.”

The Verge - Microsoft has reversed a decision to add future Call of Duty titles to Xbox Game Pass.

The Verge - A new Xbox logo has started appearing on Microsoft’s campus.

WHERE:

The Verge - The announcement was made during an internal town hall with Xbox employees.

WHEN:

The Verge - The town hall took place on April 23rd, 2026.

The Verge - Microsoft originally switched to Microsoft Gaming in 2022.

WHY:

The Verge - Asha Sharma's decision is part of her promise for a “return of Xbox” and aims to correct previous strategic mistakes.

HOW:

The Verge - Microsoft has been using the new Xbox logo with some of its internal Project Helix materials.

(UPDATED April 23, 2026 19:24 UTC)

Microsoft has announced a significant rebranding move, returning to the Xbox name for its gaming division and discontinuing Microsoft Gaming, a change that was revealed during an internal town hall with Xbox employees on Thursday. Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Xbox, emphasized that “Xbox needs to be our identity” as part of her commitment to a “return of Xbox” and to rectify past strategic decisions, including a reversal on adding future Call of Duty titles to Xbox Game Pass. Alongside this announcement, a new Xbox logo has begun appearing on Microsoft's campus, marking a fresh chapter for the gaming giant.