Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan Departs Amid Major Leadership Shake-Up
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Craig Duncan is stepping down as head of Xbox Game Studios after a tenure of less than two years, alongside chief of staff Louise O'Connor, as Microsoft continues a sweeping leadership and structural reset of its gaming division.
Xbox Game Studios is searching for a new leader after Craig Duncan stepped down from his role after less than two years at the helm. Duncan, who previously led Rare since 2011 and oversaw projects like Sea of Thieves, took over the top studio position in 2024 following Alan Hartman's retirement. Alongside Duncan, Xbox Game Studios chief of staff Louise O'Connor is also leaving the company. Matt Booty will temporarily oversee the extensive portfolio of internal developers, including Halo Studios, Obsidian, and Playground Games, while Microsoft looks for a permanent replacement.
The departure arrives during a massive period of transition for the platform. Earlier this year, Asha Sharma took over as head of Xbox in a leadership shift that also saw Sarah Bond depart. Under Sharma, the brand has already adjusted its Game Pass strategy, dropped past marketing pushes, and begun laying the groundwork for next-generation hardware codenamed Project Helix. Reports indicate these strategic pivots are accompanied by significant budget cuts and layoffs across the division as leadership works to reset the business model.
For players and creators invested in the ecosystem, this ongoing restructuring raises questions about how first-party development will operate moving forward. Xbox manages some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, and stability at the top is crucial for teams trying to deliver ambitious titles across console, PC, and cloud. As Microsoft reshapes its gaming division for the future, the community will be watching closely to see who ultimately steps in to steer these studios through the next hardware generation.
Originally reported by Victoria Phillips Kennedy over at Eurogamer.
Tags: Xbox, Microsoft, Industry News, Game Development, Business
Original article: Eurogamer