Xbox Game Studios
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Game Studios.
Three Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become IndependentReports indicate that three Xbox first-party developers, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to become independent studios. This news follows recent speculation about potential studio closures within Xbox Game Studios, with CEO Satya Nadella emphasizing the need for Xbox to become a sustainable business.
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.- Comings and GoingsThe head of Xbox Game Studios has resigned from their position. This news comes shortly before anticipated mass layoffs are expected to occur within the company.
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.- Xbox Game Studios chief reportedly steps down as layoffs loomXbox Game Studios is reportedly facing layoffs, with Xbox Game Studios chief Craig Duncan stepping down. The news follows a period of uncertainty for the company.
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 Departs Amid Growing Concern Over Layoffs and Possible Studio ShutdownsTwo senior managers at Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios are departing the company. This comes amid growing concerns about impending layoffs and the potential closure of some studios within the division.
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.
Fable is harder than the demo made it seem, devs promise: "Other difficulty levels will ensure the guards remember…Playground Games has addressed concerns that the Fable demo's combat appeared too easy, assuring players that the demo used the 'Story' difficulty setting. Higher difficulty levels will be available at launch, offering a more challenging experience. The developers also clarified that blacksmithing profits in the demo were adjusted for brevity and will be more balanced in the full release.
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.
Halo tops PS5 pre-order charts despite Xbox exclusivity pivotDespite Microsoft's pivot back to Xbox console exclusives, the upcoming Halo remake, Halo: Campaign Evolved, is topping pre-order charts on the PlayStation Store across Europe. This success on a competitor's platform could influence future exclusivity decisions for Xbox.
Games Inbox: Are the original Halo games still worth playing?Readers discuss the enduring appeal of older Halo titles, with one praising Halo 3's timeless design and soundtrack. Another reader reflects on the evolution of gaming technology and online infrastructure since the original Xbox era. Concerns are also raised about the current state of game pricing and the potential impact of consumer reluctance to buy games at full price.
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.
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan Has Stepped Down – RumorXbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor have reportedly stepped down. Duncan stated in an email that his purpose was to serve the studios and teams, and he is proud of the launches achieved during his 20-month tenure. Matt Booty is expected to oversee Xbox Game Studios in the interim, amidst rumors of further layoffs and potential studio closures at Xbox.
Forza Horizon 6 players advised to apply new patch to avoid losing save data and progressPlayground Games is investigating a critical issue in Forza Horizon 6 where players are losing or having their save data reset. A patch has been released for PC and Steam, and players are advised to update to version 37.114.10001.0 or higher. Xbox players are also advised to disable Quick Resume and follow specific steps to prevent data loss, though some players report continued issues even after applying the patch.
Microsoft is looking to speed up development of future Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo gamesMicrosoft is reportedly considering significant changes for its Xbox division, including the possibility of spinning it off as a standalone company or forming a joint venture. The company has approved plans to increase spending on major game series like Halo, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls to accelerate their development.