Rare’s Craig Duncan is set to become the new head of Xbox Game Studios in November, taking over from departing long-time leader Matt Booty. The move comes as part of Microsoft’s ongoing restructuring of its gaming division in an effort to strengthen its position in the highly competitive gaming industry.
Duncan has an impressive track record in the gaming industry, having joined Rare in 2005 as a studio manager and working his way up the ranks before becoming the studio’s CEO in 2014. Under his leadership, Rare has experienced a resurgence, with critically acclaimed games such as “Sea of Thieves” and “Everwild” capturing the hearts of gamers worldwide.
Taking over as head of Xbox Game Studios is a natural progression for Duncan, who has proven himself as a visionary and innovative leader at Rare. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the development and publishing of first-party games for the Xbox platform, as well as managing over 15 game development studios under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella.
Microsoft’s decision to appoint Duncan to this coveted position is a testament to his abilities and the success he has achieved at Rare. With his strong background in game development and his experience in nurturing talented teams, Duncan is well-equipped to drive Xbox Game Studios towards continued success.
The appointment of Duncan also reflects Microsoft’s commitment to investing in its first-party studios and developing exclusive content for the Xbox platform. With the next generation Xbox console, the Xbox Series X, set to launch this November, Microsoft is eager to strengthen its game portfolio to entice gamers to choose its platform over competitors such as Sony’s PlayStation and Nintendo’s Switch.
Under Matt Booty’s leadership, Xbox Game Studios has already made significant strides in expanding its first-party lineup. Studios like Obsidian Entertainment, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory have been acquired by Microsoft, bolstering the studio lineup and diversifying the types of games available on Xbox.
Duncan’s appointment signifies a continuation of this strategy. One of his key responsibilities will be to further develop and expand the talent within Xbox Game Studios, both by cultivating existing studios and by scouting for new acquisitions to bring under the Xbox umbrella. This will ensure that Microsoft has a robust lineup of games to offer players across all genres and platforms.
This move positions Xbox Game Studios for an exciting future as Microsoft gears up to release the Xbox Series X. With the next console generation poised to redefine the gaming landscape, Duncan’s leadership and expertise will be crucial in ensuring that Xbox maintains its position as a major player.
Rare’s Craig Duncan taking the reins as head of Xbox Game Studios is not only a testament to his talent, but also a clear indication of Microsoft’s commitment to propelling its gaming division to new heights. As November approaches, gamers eagerly await the next chapter for Xbox, with high expectations for the exciting projects that will undoubtedly emerge under Duncan’s leadership.
