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Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios boss steps down after less than two years, amid major changes for the platform
Craig 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 down
Xbox 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 depart
Xbox 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 resign
Xbox 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” – Rumor
Insider 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 PCs
This 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 Hardware
The 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 roundup
This 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 roundup
This 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 Racing
Playtonic 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.
Super Yooka-Laylee Kart fulfils the fourth game karting spin-off prophecy (on a technicality)
Playtonic has announced Super Yooka-Laylee Kart, a new kart racing spin-off in development for PC. The game aims to emulate the style of classic kart racers with weapons, a coin system, and a unique Rage mechanic. It will feature a solo campaign, online multiplayer, and local 8-player split-screen, with beta tests coming soon.
Review: Donkey Kong 64 - Kicks Some Serious Tail, But Goes Too Far
Donkey Kong 64, originally released in 1999 by Rare, is reviewed as an expansive adventure-platformer with a heavy emphasis on collectathon gameplay. While praised for its vibrant graphics, personality, and extensive content, the game's core mechanic of switching between five Kongs to collect color-coded items leads to repetitive backtracking and can be frustrating despite its charm.
Donkey Kong 64 now available on Nintendo Classics
Nintendo has added the 1999 Nintendo 64 title Donkey Kong 64 to its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. Developed by Rare, the 3D platformer allows players to control five Kong characters to thwart King K. Rool's plans.
"The difference is not just that you can’t fight back, it’s that you feel like you shouldn’t": Alien Isolation's lead designer wants you to "respect" the dinos in The Lost Wild
The Lost Wild's lead designer Gary Napper emphasizes a design philosophy of respecting dinosaurs as living creatures rather than monsters, drawing parallels to his work on Alien: Isolation. Unlike Alien: Isolation's focus on player power fantasy, The Lost Wild aims to make players feel vulnerable and encourage non-violent interaction with the prehistoric inhabitants of its island setting.
Donkey Kong 64 beat Pokemon mania to become the best-selling game of 1999 in the US
Donkey Kong 64 was the best-selling video game in the US for 1999, surpassing even the immense popularity of Pokemon Red and Blue. Despite launching in late November, the Nintendo 64 title achieved this feat by selling over 2.3 million units in the US. The article also lists other notable games from 1999 that Donkey Kong 64 outsold.
25 '90s Games That Hold Up Perfectly Today (And Where to Play Them) | TAG
This article identifies 25 video games from the 1990s that remain enjoyable for modern players, distinguishing between titles that hold up with no caveats and those that require specific versions or adjustments. It highlights how 2D pixel art generally ages better than early 3D graphics and provides information on where each game can be legally played today.
Forza Horizon 6’s Most Hated Driver Has Become An Internet Legend
A specific AI Drivatar in Forza Horizon 6, known as Bowie Knife99, has become an internet legend and meme due to its unusually aggressive and disruptive driving style. This Drivatar's notoriety has spread beyond the game, with various companies and media outlets humorously acknowledging its infamous status.
Donkey Kong 64 drops onto Nintendo Switch Online
Donkey Kong 64 has been added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, making the N64 collectathon platformer available on the Nintendo Switch. The game originally required the N64 Expansion Pak accessory due to its advanced features for the time. This release joins other classic N64 titles already available on the service.
