Craig Duncan Promoted to Xbox Game Studios Chief Role

Craig Duncan Promoted to Xbox Game Studios Chief Role

Microsoft is promoting Rare studio lead Craig Duncan to the head of Xbox Game Studios, following the retirement of Alan Hartman. The change of leadership comes less than a year after Hartman took on the head of Xbox Game Studios role.

Alan Hartman’s Retirement and Legacy

In an email to Xbox employees, Matt Booty shared that Hartman is retiring at the end of November after more than 30 years at Microsoft. Hartman originally started at Microsoft inside the CD-ROM group in 1988, before working on Age of Empires, Brute Force, and studio head of Digital Anvil. He also helped found Turn 10, the home of Forza Motorsport.

Craig Duncan’s New Role

Rare studio chief Craig Duncan will take over the role of head of Xbox Game Studios shortly. Duncan brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Codemasters, Midway Games, and Sumo Digital before joining Xbox in 2011 to lead Rare. During this time, Rare has achieved sustained business success and developed new IP, most notably the ever-evolving Sea of Thieves.

Craig Duncan’s Focus

In his new role, Craig will continue to focus on helping our studios deliver high-quality, differentiated game experiences that can grow into successful franchises and reach more players by investing in new IP. Joe Neate and Jim Horth will take over as co-leads of Rare as the team continues to work on Sea of Thieves and the upcoming Everwild action-adventure game.

New Leadership Team

The existing XGS leadership team Alan established will remain intact and report to Craig. Craig will report to Matt Booty and join the Game Content and Studios leadership team, working closely with Alan during the transition.