Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor step down
Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor are leaving Xbox Game Studios this week, marking another major leadership shift under Microsoft Gaming’s new CEO Asha Sharma. No successor has been named, and reports indicate possible layoffs and broader restructuring. Both Duncan and O’Connor have strong ties to Rare, where Duncan previously served as a leader. The departures follow Microsoft Gaming’s push for a company-wide reset.
What changed
This update confirms the timing of Duncan’s exit as this week, clarifies O’Connor’s role as chief of staff, and adds details on their shared background at Rare.
Live updates
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Xbox Game Studios shakes up leadership as Duncan and O’Connor exit amid restructuring
confidence 95%Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor are leaving Xbox Game Studios this week, marking another major leadership shift under Microsoft Gaming’s new CEO Asha Sharma. No successor has been named, and reports indicate possible layoffs and broader restructuring. Both Duncan and O’Connor have strong ties to Rare, where Duncan previously served as a leader. The departures follow Microsoft Gaming’s push for a company-wide reset.
What's confirmed:
- Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor are departing Xbox Game Studios this week, ending Duncan’s 18-month tenure as head of the division.
- Duncan joined Xbox in late 2024 and is stepping down from his role as CEO of Xbox Game Studios.
- O’Connor served as chief of staff under Duncan at Xbox Game Studios.
- Both Duncan and O’Connor have deep ties to Rare, where Duncan previously led the studio.
- The departures follow Microsoft Gaming’s push for a company-wide reset under new CEO Asha Sharma.
Still unconfirmed:
- Potential layoffs and broader restructuring efforts are underway at Xbox Game Studios.
- Reports suggest closures at studios like Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, though these have not been officially confirmed.
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Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O’Connor depart amid restructuring
confidence 95%Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor are leaving Xbox Game Studios this week, ending Duncan’s 18-month tenure as head of the division. Their departures follow Microsoft Gaming’s push for a company-wide reset under Asha Sharma. No official successor has been named, and reports suggest potential layoffs and broader restructuring efforts. Both have deep ties to Rare, where Duncan previously led the studio.
What's confirmed:
- Craig Duncan has stepped down as head of Xbox Game Studios after nearly 18 months in the role, ending a 14-year tenure with Xbox.
- Louise O’Connor, Duncan’s Chief of Staff, is also leaving Xbox Game Studios.
- Both Duncan and O’Connor have historical ties to Rare, with Duncan previously leading the studio.
- Their departures coincide with Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma’s call for a company-wide reset.
- No official successor to Duncan has been named.
Still unconfirmed:
- Reports link their departures to potential layoffs and a broader overhaul under Sharma’s leadership.
- Duncan reportedly cited delivering 'many flawless launches' in a farewell message, though the full quote is incomplete.
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Xbox Game Studios loses top leadership amid restructuring
confidence 95%Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor are leaving Xbox Game Studios this week, marking the latest leadership shift as Microsoft Gaming undergoes restructuring. Both have ties to Rare, with Duncan having led the studio before taking over Xbox Game Studios in 2024. Reports link their departures to potential layoffs and broader overhaul efforts under Asha Sharma’s leadership. No official successor has been named.
What's confirmed:
- Craig Duncan is stepping down as head of Xbox Game Studios after serving in the role for less than two years.
- Louise O’Connor, Xbox Game Studios’ chief of staff, is also departing the company.
- Duncan previously led Rare from 2011 to 2024 before taking over Xbox Game Studios in 2024.
- Both executives have a long history at Rare, a studio now under Microsoft’s ownership.
- Their departures coincide with reports of a major restructuring effort under Asha Sharma’s leadership of Microsoft Gaming.
- Duncan’s tenure as Xbox Game Studios head began in early 2024.
Still unconfirmed:
- Microsoft is preparing for a new round of layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, possibly as early as next month.
- The leadership changes are part of a broader ‘business reset’ at Xbox Game Studios.
- Duncan’s departure may be tied to dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s strategic direction for the platform.