Laura Fryer, a founding member of the Xbox team and former director of the Xbox Advanced Technology Group, has raised concerns about Microsoft’s current gaming strategy. In a recent YouTube video, she called the Xbox hardware business “effectively dead” and criticized the company’s “Xbox Anywhere” multiplatform approach as “style with no substance.”
Fryer, who helped launch major titles like Gears of War and led Microsoft Game Studios in its early days, expressed disappointment over Microsoft’s pivot away from traditional Xbox consoles.
She pointed to new third-party devices, like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, a Windows-based handheld that can run games from Steam and other platforms, as evidence of a “slow exit” from the hardware market.
Fryer argued that these devices lack a unique appeal compared to competitors like the Steam Deck.
Microsoft’s strategy has shifted toward releasing first-party games, such as Forza Horizon 5 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, on PlayStation 5 and other platforms, alongside Xbox and PC.
Fryer suggested this focus, combined with an emphasis on Xbox Game Pass, shows Microsoft is prioritizing subscriptions over dedicated hardware. “The plan appears to be to just drive everybody to Game Pass,” she said, noting its value but questioning the long-term vision for Xbox’s identity.
Despite her concerns, Fryer acknowledged Microsoft’s deep game portfolio, citing the success of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered as a sign of potential. She hopes Xbox’s 25th anniversary in 2026 will bring clarity to the brand’s future.
Microsoft has confirmed plans for a next-generation Xbox console, but partnerships with companies like Asus and AMD suggest a possible shift toward hybrid or third-party hardware.
The gaming community is divided. Some see Microsoft’s multiplatform push as a smart way to reach more players, while others worry it weakens the Xbox brand. With hardware sales lagging behind PlayStation 5, Microsoft’s focus on Game Pass and cross-platform releases may reshape its role in the gaming industry.
