Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan steps down
Craig Duncan has left Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios after less than two years, marking another high-level exit as the division faces layoffs and a leadership shake-up. His departure follows a broader restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma. The publishing division will now report to chief content officer Matt Booty. Two former Rare executives are also reportedly leaving, though details remain unclear.
What changed
Confirmed that Duncan and his chief of staff, Louise O’Connor, have both left the company, with Duncan’s departure tied explicitly to a broader operational reset and mass layoffs.
Live updates
-
Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan departs amid restructuring
confidence 95%Craig Duncan has left Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios after less than two years, marking another high-level exit as the division faces layoffs and a leadership shake-up. His departure follows a broader restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma. The publishing division will now report to chief content officer Matt Booty. Two former Rare executives are also reportedly leaving, though details remain unclear.
What's confirmed:
- Craig Duncan, who led Xbox Game Studios since late 2024, has resigned after 18 months in the role.
- Louise O’Connor, Duncan’s chief of staff, is also leaving Microsoft.
- Duncan previously served as head of Rare from 2011 to 2024 before joining Xbox.
- His departure coincides with reports of mass layoffs and potential studio closures under Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s announced ‘reset’ strategy.
- Xbox Game Studios will now report to chief content officer Matt Booty.
- Duncan oversaw studios including Halo Studios, The Coalition, Double Fine, and Undead Labs during his tenure.
Still unconfirmed:
- Two former Rare executives are reportedly leaving the company, though no names or details have been confirmed.
- The departures may signal further restructuring or shifts in Xbox’s operational strategy.
-
Craig Duncan exits Xbox Game Studios amid leadership shakeup
confidence 95%Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios has lost its top executive and key staff, accelerating a leadership transition that follows reports of internal restructuring and layoffs. Craig Duncan’s departure after 18 months marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits, raising questions about the division’s future. Two former Rare executives are also reportedly leaving the company, though details remain limited. The departures coincide with ongoing uncertainty in Xbox’s operational strategy.
What's confirmed:
- Craig Duncan has resigned as head of Xbox Game Studios after serving 18 months in the role, effective immediately.
- Louise O’Connor, Duncan’s chief of staff, is also departing the company.
- Duncan replaced Alan Hartman as Xbox Game Studios boss in late 2025, following a period of leadership transition.
- Microsoft’s Xbox division continues to face reports of layoffs and studio restructuring.
Still unconfirmed:
- Two former Rare executives are leaving Xbox, though no names or titles have been confirmed publicly.
-
Craig Duncan steps down as Xbox Game Studios head amid restructuring
confidence 95%Craig Duncan has resigned as head of Xbox Game Studios after 18 months in the role, with his chief of staff also leaving. Microsoft’s gaming division faces ongoing reports of layoffs and studio restructuring. The departures follow a period of leadership transition after Duncan replaced Alan Hartman in late 2025. Employees and industry observers remain focused on the impact of these changes on Xbox’s future.
What's confirmed:
- Craig Duncan has resigned as head of Xbox Game Studios after 18 months in the role, effective immediately.
- Louise O’Connor, Xbox Game Studios’ chief of staff, is also departing the company.
- Duncan joined Microsoft in 2011 as head of Rare before taking over Xbox Game Studios in November 2025.
- His resignation follows reports of layoffs and major restructuring within Microsoft Gaming.
- No official statement from Duncan or Microsoft has been provided regarding the reasons for his departure.
Still unconfirmed:
- Duncan reportedly cited ‘delivering many flawless launches’ as a key achievement before leaving, though no specific titles or metrics were mentioned.
- Speculation persists about potential studio closures or further layoffs, though no concrete plans have been confirmed.
-
Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan exits amid restructuring and layoff fears
confidence 95%Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, has resigned after 18 months in the role, marking a leadership shift as Microsoft continues its overhaul of the Xbox division. Louise O’Connor, his chief of staff, is also departing. Concerns over potential layoffs and studio closures have intensified in recent reports.
What's confirmed:
- Craig Duncan will leave Xbox Game Studios this week after serving as its head for 18 months.
- Louise O’Connor, Duncan’s chief of staff, is also departing the company.
- Duncan was appointed to the role in November 2024, following his tenure as head of Rare.
- The departures coincide with broader restructuring under Asha Sharma’s leadership of Microsoft’s Xbox division.
Still unconfirmed:
- Mass layoffs are imminent at Xbox Game Studios, with reports suggesting possible studio shutdowns.
- The leadership changes signal a ‘business reset’ amid growing employee concerns.
- Duncan’s exit was unexpected and may indicate deeper instability within the division.