Xbox Game Studios is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Craig Duncan, the division’s head, prepares to depart the company this week. Matt Booty, Microsoft’s current president of game content and studios, will assume interim leadership of the division until a permanent successor is appointed, according to reports from The Game Business.
Why is the Xbox Game Studios leadership changing?
Craig Duncan is stepping down after approximately 20 months in the role of head of Xbox Game Studios. While the company has not cited a specific reason for the departure, the move coincides with a broader shift in Microsoft’s gaming structure. Duncan, a veteran who joined Microsoft in 2011, previously led the Rare studio for 14 years, overseeing projects like Sea of Thieves. According to his farewell email to staff, Duncan characterized his tenure as a period focused on supporting studio teams and achieving commercial success through “impeccable” game launches.
Craig Duncan’s career spans over two decades in the industry, including roles at Codemasters and Midway, where he worked on titles such as Colin McRae Rally and Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing.
Who is stepping in to lead the studios?
Matt Booty will take on the responsibility of managing Xbox Game Studios on an interim basis. Booty currently serves as the president of game content and studios at Microsoft. His expanded role places him in direct oversight of major internal development teams, including Halo Studios, The Coalition, Playground Games, and Ninja Theory. This transition centralizes studio management under Booty’s existing portfolio as the company searches for a permanent replacement for Duncan.
What other departures are affecting Xbox leadership?
The restructuring includes the departure of Louise O’Connor, the current chief of staff for Xbox Game Studios. O’Connor, who joined Rare in 1999 as an animator for Conker’s Bad Fur Day, transitioned to the chief of staff role in September 2025. Her exit follows reports of the cancellation of the project Everwild. In his farewell message, Duncan highlighted O’Connor’s role as a “creative and trusted” partner who provided clarity and support to the development studios.
How does this impact the future of Xbox exclusives?
The transition marks a period of consolidation for Microsoft’s gaming division. By placing Matt Booty at the helm, the company maintains continuity for its major franchises, including Halo and Forza. Historically, Microsoft’s studio leadership changes have often preceded shifts in production focus. While the long-term strategy remains under the purview of Microsoft gaming leadership, the current interim phase suggests a focus on stabilizing existing studio outputs following the recent high-profile internal changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Craig Duncan?
Matt Booty, the current president of game content and studios, is serving as the interim head of Xbox Game Studios.
How long was Craig Duncan at Xbox?
Duncan joined Microsoft in 2011 and served as the head of Xbox Game Studios for 20 months, prior to which he led the studio Rare for 14 years.
Is anyone else leaving the Xbox leadership team?
Yes, Louise O’Connor, the chief of staff for Xbox Game Studios, is also departing the company.
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