Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, is stepping down from his position this week after 20 months in the role, according to an internal email sent to staff. Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty will oversee the organization’s portfolio of studios, including Halo Studios and Rare, until a successor is appointed. Alongside Duncan, Xbox Game Studios chief of staff Louise O’Connor is also departing the company.
Why is Xbox restructuring its studio leadership?
The departure of Duncan and O’Connor signals a significant shift in the operational oversight of Microsoft’s gaming division. According to the internal communication, Duncan’s tenure focused on streamlining studio output and strengthening corporate culture. By placing the portfolio under Matt Booty’s direct supervision, Xbox is consolidating its management hierarchy during a period of transition.
Craig Duncan spent nearly 14 years leading Rare, the UK-based developer behind Sea of Thieves. His career prior to Xbox included senior roles at Codemasters and Sumo Digital, where he contributed to titles like Colin McRae and Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing.
Who is taking over studio operations?
Matt Booty, the Chief Content Officer at Xbox, will assume direct responsibility for the studios previously managed by Duncan. This list includes major developers such as Obsidian, Ninja Theory, Playground Games, and The Coalition. Booty’s expanded role places him at the center of Xbox’s output strategy, overseeing both the development pipeline and the integration of large-scale acquisitions.
What is the history of the departing leadership?
Craig Duncan’s exit follows a long career within the Microsoft ecosystem, beginning in 2011. His recent 20-month stint as head of Xbox Game Studios followed the departure of Alan Hartman. Louise O’Connor’s departure marks the end of a long tenure that began at Rare in 1999. O’Connor, a veteran animator and producer, served as chief of staff since September 2025, following her work on titles like Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Viva Piñata.
Comparison: Leadership evolution at Xbox
| Role | Recent Status |
|---|---|
| Head of XGS | Craig Duncan (Departing) |
| Chief of Staff | Louise O’Connor (Departing) |
| Content Oversight | Matt Booty (Active) |
How will these changes affect future game releases?
While executive turnover often creates uncertainty, the immediate impact on games in development remains limited. Duncan noted in his staff email that the organization achieved “flawless launches” during his 20-month term. Because studios like World’s Edge and Undead Labs continue to operate under the existing Xbox Game Studios framework, the primary change is the reporting line to Booty rather than a shift in production methodology.
To keep track of how studio leadership changes affect release schedules, follow the official Xbox Wire for verified announcements on project milestones and executive appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is replacing Craig Duncan? No permanent successor has been named; Matt Booty is overseeing the studios in the interim.
- Why is Louise O’Connor leaving? O’Connor, who previously worked on Everwild, is departing alongside Duncan after a long career at Rare and as chief of staff.
- Which studios are affected? The change impacts the entire Xbox Game Studios portfolio, including Rare, Obsidian, Ninja Theory, and Turn 10.
What do you think about the restructuring at Xbox? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest industry updates.
Worth a look