Xbox Game Studios leadership shakeup as head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor depart

Xbox Game Studios announced that its head, Craig Duncan, will leave the company after a 20‑month tenure. Duncan, who previously led Rare, said he was proud of the studio launches and the culture he helped build.

Alongside Duncan, chief of staff Louise O'Connor, also a former Rare executive, will exit after 11 months. Their responsibilities will be transferred to Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty until a replacement is appointed.

The departures come amid broader speculation about Xbox’s strategic direction under new CEO Asha Sharma, including possible restructuring of studios and shifts in exclusivity policy.