Rare
Rare business and news from across the web.
Games Inbox: Is Xbox worth saving?This article discusses the uncertain future of Xbox, with readers expressing concern over potential studio closures and a lack of innovation. The piece contrasts Xbox's current strategy with past industry practices of companies like Electronic Arts and questions whether Xbox deserves to be saved given its perceived mismanagement and impact on developers.
Amid reports of closures to Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan is stepping down from…Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor are stepping down amid reports of significant layoffs and the closure of studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 14 years, had been CEO for less than two years. These changes follow a strategic "Xbox reset" outlined by CEO Asha Sharma.
Xbox Game Studios-chef lämnar – efter 20 månaderCraig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, has resigned after only 20 months, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. This follows recent news of potential studio closures and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. The departures occur amidst a strategic shift for Xbox, including price adjustments to Game Pass and a re-evaluation of multi-platform releases.
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan & Chief of Staff Louise O'Conner leave MicrosoftXbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O’Conner are leaving Microsoft. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 13 years, stated his purpose was to serve the studios and teams, highlighting successful game launches. O'Conner also had a long tenure at Rare, contributing to titles from Conker's Bad Fur Day to Everwild. Their departures come amid rumors of upcoming layoffs at the end of June.
Report: Two former Rare execs are leaving XboxTwo former Rare executives, Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor, are departing from Xbox. Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, and O'Connor, chief of staff, leave amidst reports of a 'business reset' and potential layoffs within Xbox. These departures follow a period of significant changes and discussions about the future sustainability of the Xbox division.- Xbox Game Studios Boss Is Out Ahead Of Reported Layoffs And Other Major Changes To “Reset” XboxCraig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, is departing Microsoft after 15 years, along with his chief of staff Louise O'Connor. These changes precede reported layoffs and potential studio closures as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to "reset" the business. The departures follow comments from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about the need to make Xbox a sustainable business.
Xbox Games Studios loses two top execs, days after Microsoft CEO calls for company "reset"Xbox Games Studios leader Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have departed Microsoft, shortly after CEO Asha Sharma called for a business "reset." The departures follow reports of impending mass layoffs within the company. Duncan and O'Connor are veterans of Rare, having worked on titles like Sea of Thieves and the cancelled Everwild.
Xbox Game Studios head leaves after less than 2 years: "I'm proud to say we delivered many flawless…Craig Duncan has departed from his role as head of Xbox Game Studios after less than two years, capping a longer career at Microsoft. He announced his exit in a memo to staff, highlighting the delivery of "flawless launches" during his tenure. Louise O'Connor, who also had a long history with Rare, is leaving as well. The teams will report to Xbox CCO Matt Booty until a replacement is found, amidst ongoing rumors of an "Xbox reset" including potential layoffs and restructuring.
Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios boss steps down after less than two years, amid major changes for the platformCraig Duncan has stepped down as head of Xbox Game Studios after less than two years, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. Duncan, formerly head of Rare, oversaw numerous studios during his tenure. Matt Booty will temporarily lead the studios until a replacement is found, amidst broader leadership changes at Xbox under Asha Sharma.
Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor step downXbox Game Studios leader Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor have stepped down from their roles. Duncan, who previously led Rare, oversaw numerous internal studios, while O'Connor was an executive producer at Rare. Their departures coincide with reports of potential job cuts and a business 'reset' at Xbox.
Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor to departXbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor are departing the company. Duncan served in his role for over 18 months, while O’Connor served for over 11 months. Both previously held leadership positions at Rare. Their departures follow a period of successful game launches overseen by Duncan.
Xbox Game Studios leadership Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor resignXbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor have resigned from their positions. Duncan, who led the division for 20 months, and O’Connor, who joined Microsoft after working at Rare, are leaving the company. Their responsibilities will be temporarily handled by Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty.- The Daily Grind: Do you prefer your gaming news in text or video?This article discusses player preferences for consuming gaming news, questioning whether text-based articles or video content is more effective. It highlights the efficiency of reading for information versus watching longer video formats, and poses the question to readers about their preferred method.
Xbox Closing At Least 2 Studios by 2026 End, Including One “Which Could Come as a Shock” – RumorInsider Gaming reports that at least two Xbox Game Studios are at risk of being shut down by the end of 2026, with one closure potentially being a surprise. While specific studios like Obsidian and Rare are reportedly safe, titles that underperformed, such as Forza Motorsport and South of Midnight, could put studios like Double Fine Productions, Compulsion Games, and Turn 10 Studios at risk.- Perfect Ten: Pirate MMOs that boarded and plundered our gaming PCsThis article highlights ten pirate-themed MMORPGs and online multiplayer RPGs that have sailed the digital seas. It covers a range of titles from obscure to well-known, discussing their development histories, gameplay mechanics, and current status, including games like Pirates of the Burning Sea, Sea of Thieves, and Skull and Bones.
We asked Xbox exec Matt Booty about legacy IP like Banjo-Kazooie: "There's options to do all kinds of things, and we're certainly looking at those all the time"Xbox executive Matt Booty addressed the possibility of reviving legacy franchises like Banjo-Kazooie, stating that Xbox is always exploring options for its intellectual property. While not confirming any new titles, Booty indicated that the company is open to working with internal and external studios on its back catalog, similar to the upcoming Spyro: A Realm Beyond.
XBOX Games Showcase 2026 Recap: The Return of Exclusives, World Premieres, and Anniversary HardwareThe XBOX Games Showcase 2026 highlighted numerous upcoming titles, including Gears of War: E-Day, Clockwork Revolution, and Senua, with many confirmed as XBOX console exclusives. The event also celebrated XBOX's 25th anniversary with the announcement of limited edition hardware and revealed new trailers and gameplay for games like Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Persona 6.
Final Fantasy, DK and eFootball join this week’s eShop roundupThis week's Nintendo eShop update features the release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Donkey Kong 64 on Nintendo Switch Online. eFootball Kick-Off! also launches on the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside new Nintendo Music streaming options. The article also highlights various indie games on sale and other new releases.- Final Fantasy, DK and eFootball join this week’s eShop roundupThis week's Nintendo eShop update includes Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Donkey Kong 64 on Nintendo Switch Online Classics, and eFootball Kick-Off! for Nintendo Switch 2. Additionally, Nintendo Music is now available on more devices, and a sale on indie games is ending soon.
Yooka-Laylee is back in a SNES-style kart racer from some of the team behind Diddy Kong RacingPlaytonic Games has officially announced Super Yooka-Laylee Kart, a new SNES-style kart racer featuring the Yooka-Laylee duo. The game will feature a visual style inspired by Super Nintendo's Mode 7, advanced racing mechanics including a Rage system, and extensive multiplayer options. While no release date or platforms beyond PC have been confirmed, the studio plans to hold multiplayer beta tests.