Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan steps down

Craig Duncan has resigned as head of Xbox Game Studios after less than two years. He will depart the company this week.

Craig Duncan took over the role in 2024 after the retirement of Alan Hartman. He previously led Rare since 2011, overseeing Sea of Thieves and other projects.

In his email to staff, Duncan wrote that his purpose was to serve the studios and deliver high-quality games. He also praised chief of staff Louise O'Connor, who is leaving alongside him.

Xbox Game Studios teams will now report to chief content officer Matt Booty until a replacement is found. The departures occur as Xbox undergoes leadership changes under Asha Sharma, including budget adjustments and staff reductions.

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Xbox executives announce return to Xbox branding and reevaluation of game exclusivity in a company meeting.
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Xbox drops Microsoft Gaming name and reevaluates exclusivity

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Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty announced the gaming division is reverting from 'Microsoft Gaming' to simply 'Xbox.' In a memo shared on Xbox Wire following an all-hands meeting, they addressed player frustrations and pledged to reevaluate the approach to game exclusivity. The move signals a renewed focus on console as the foundation amid broader platform ambitions.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Xbox Game Studios Head Matt Booty emailed employees on June 10 with a blunt message that current operations cannot continue. The note outlined five harsh realities facing the division, including low profits and rising costs. Bloomberg separately reported that major layoffs are planned for next month.

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Xbox is preparing to shut down Compulsion Games and is in talks to close Double Fine and Ninja Theory as well. Studio leaders are negotiating with Microsoft over the studios' futures. Heavy job losses are expected even if some studios go independent.

Microsoft has confirmed that gaming CEO Asha Sharma retired the controversial 2024 'This is an Xbox' campaign, stating it 'didn’t feel like Xbox,' as part of a brand reset emphasizing console roots. The move follows fan and internal backlash, amid leadership changes and next-gen Project Helix hardware plans.

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Satya Nadella said Xbox must pursue economically viable growth after years of heavy investment with limited returns. He spoke at The New York Times Hard Fork event on June 10.

Microsoft is weighing options to restructure its Xbox division, including turning it into a wholly-owned subsidiary. The move aims to boost the business performance of the gaming unit.

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Xbox executives have clarified the company's approach to console exclusives following announcements at the Summer Game Fest.

 

 

 

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