Xbox Game Studios Chief Craig Duncan Departs Microsoft Amid Growing Concern Over Layoffs and Possible Studio Shutdowns
The move comes as Xbox teams brace for another round of layoffs and possible studio closures after a company reset, The Game Business reported.
- Head of Xbox Game Studios Craig Duncan is stepping down this week, along with chief of staff Louise O'Connor; both executives previously led the British studio Rare for over a decade.
- These exits follow a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty discussing a business "reset" after revenue declines, asserting Xbox was "over extended" with "we have not adequately funded them to compete and win."
- Reports indicate Xbox is preparing for mass layoffs next month, and analysts told IGN that "the studios most exposed are brilliant for prestige and rotten for the spreadsheet" as leadership attempts to improve the division's balance sheet.
- Following the departures, Xbox's first-party studios including Halo Studios and Ninja Theory will report directly to Booty until a replacement is appointed to lead the division.
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need for a sustainable business model after 25 years of Xbox investment, as the company reassesses its investment priorities for the next 5 years.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Xbox Loses Studio Head Craig Duncan Ahead of Layoffs
Xbox Game Studios has seen a lot of changes lately. And while fans are excited about where the company is heading, there are some unfortunate changes being made. One big change is that Xbox lost studio lead Craig Duncan, according to The Game Business. It seems like some people are taking the leap ahead of the layoffs and potential studio closures, which were hinted at by new CEO Asha Sharma last week, June 11, in an announcement about future “r…
Xbox Game Studios Chief Craig Duncan Departs Microsoft Amid Growing Concern Over Layoffs and Possible Studio Shutdowns
Two of Microsoft's most senior managers overseeing Xbox Game Studios are departing the business, amid growing concern over upcoming layoffs and potential studio shutdowns.
Xbox's Dark Turn: Microsoft's Mass Layoffs, Studio Shutdowns & Developers' Desperate Exit Plans
Archyde Xbox is preparing its third major round of layoffs in three years, with Microsoft’s gaming division set to cut staff and close studios by July 2026. The move, confirmed by ... Read More The post Xbox’s Dark Turn: Microsoft’s Mass Layoffs, Studio Shutdowns & Developers’ Desperate Exit Plans appeared first on Archyde.
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