Craig Duncan Resigns After 20 Months Leading Xbox Game Studios as Layoffs Loom
Updated
Updated · Kotaku · Jun 15
Craig Duncan Resigns After 20 Months Leading Xbox Game Studios as Layoffs Loom
3 articles · Updated · Kotaku · Jun 15
Summary
Craig Duncan is stepping down as head of Xbox Game Studios less than two years into the job, with his studio group set to report to chief content officer Matt Booty.
The exit lands as Xbox teams brace for mass layoffs and possible studio closures after CEO Asha Sharma announced a company “reset” aimed at streamlining operations and shifting resources toward bigger franchises.
Sharma told staff Xbox has underfunded “industry-defining” series even as it still needs a steady pipeline of first- and third-party exclusives and new IP over the next five years.
Louise O’Connor, Xbox Game Studios’ chief of staff, is also reportedly leaving, extending upheaval that follows last year’s cuts and the cancellation of Rare’s long-delayed Everwild.