Following its big 100-day reset plan and rumors of upcoming layoffs, Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan has reportedly stepped down alongside chief of staff Louise O’Connor, according to The Game Business.
“When I stepped into the role of leading XGS 20 months ago, my purpose was to serve our studios, our teams, and the people making our games. Together, we set out to deliver high-quality games, strengthen the cultural fabric across our studios, and help shape the future of the business. I’m proud to say we delivered many flawless launches that drove business success for the company,” he wrote in an alleged email to staff.
Regarding O’Connor, Duncan apparently said: “Louise has been a thoughtful, creative, and trusted partner who has consistently championed the craft and supported our studios with clarity and care. I’m grateful for everything she’s brought to XGS, and I’m sure she’ll be successful in whatever comes next for her.”
A replacement for Duncan has yet to be confirmed, but in the meantime, Xbox Game Studios will apparently report to chief content officer Matt Booty.
If the rumors are true, this is could only be the start of potential mass layoffs at Xbox. The Verge’s Tom Warren believes a studio closure is also inevitable, and we may even see the studio lineup changing, though in what shape and form remains to be seen.
Xbox’s last major wave of layoffs occurred roughly a year ago, also after the fiscal quarter concluded. It resulted in the cancellation of Everwild, ZeniMax’s Blackbird and Perfect Dark (which apparently affected the division’s profitability quite heavily). Besides The Initiative’s closure, studios across the board faced layoffs, including Turn 10 Studios, which has been reduced to supporting Playground’s Forza Horizon franchise and Fable.
Will these changes help facilitate quicker turnaround on projects or help the console business? Time will tell, so stay tuned. It’s only going to get messier before it gets better.
