**Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor Depart from Xbox Games Studios Amid Organizational Changes**
In a notable shift within Microsoft’s gaming division, Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Games Studios, and Louise O’Connor, the chief of staff, have reportedly left the company. Their exit comes as Microsoft is anticipating another round of mass layoffs, with new CEO Asha Sharma emphasizing the need to “reset the business”.
Craig Duncan had held his leadership position for just 20 months, while O’Connor’s tenure was even shorter, ending before the completion of a year. Upon their departure, all studios that were previously under Duncan’s purview will now report directly to Matt Booty, the Xbox chief content officer, until a suitable replacement is appointed. This restructuring raises questions about the future direction of the studios as Microsoft navigates significant organizational changes.
According to a report by The Games Business, which was also covered by GamesIndustry.biz, Duncan expressed in an internal staff memo that his goal was to serve the studios and teams, focusing on delivering high-quality games and strengthening the culture across the various development teams. He also lauded O’Connor as a creative and trusted partner in their mission.
Both Duncan and O’Connor are seasoned veterans in the gaming industry, having spent substantial time at Rare Ltd. Duncan notably led Rare for 14 years, overseeing projects like the revival of “Killer Instinct” and the successful launch of “Sea of Thieves,” alongside experiments involving the Kinect. O’Connor began her career at Rare in 1999, playing pivotal roles in various projects, including her production work on the now-cancelled “Everwild”.
The manner of their departure has sparked speculation about whether they were forced out or left due to dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of Microsoft’s gaming division. As new strategies and personnel shake-ups begin to take shape, industry observers await further announcements on the evolving landscape of Xbox Games Studios.
