Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff resign

Craig Duncan, who led Xbox Game Studios for 20 months, and Chief of Staff Louise O’Connor notified staff today that they will step down from their roles. The company has not provided a timeline for their departures or named successors.

In a note to employees, Duncan wrote that he took the role to serve studios and teams. He wrote, “When I stepped into the role of leading XGS 20 months ago, my purpose was to serve our studios, our teams, and the people making our games. Together, we set out to deliver high-quality games, strengthen the cultural fabric across our studios, and help shape the future of the business. I’m proud to say we delivered many flawless launches that drove business success for the company.” He also described O’Connor as a “thoughtful, creative, and trusted partner who has consistently championed the craft and supported our studios with clarity and care.”

Duncan moved to the XGS role from Rare’s Sea of Thieves team in late 2024. O’Connor joined Xbox Game Studios as Chief of Staff in 2025 after the cancellation of Everwild. Both executives have worked at Rare for many years.

Xbox Game Studios manages Microsoft’s first-party development teams, overseeing production, launch planning and studio support across internal studios. During Duncan’s 20-month tenure he highlighted several launches he characterized as high quality and commercially successful.

No external statement has been issued beyond the internal messages. Further details on departure dates, the executives’ next steps, and any interim leadership arrangements have not been announced.