Rare's Craig Duncan Ascends to Lead Xbox Game Studios

In a significant move within the gaming industry, Rare's long-time leader, Craig Duncan, has been promoted to head the prestigious Xbox Game Studios. This transition comes as Alan Hartman, the previous studios boss, prepares to retire from Microsoft at the end of November.

Veteran Game Developer Takes the Helm of Xbox's Powerhouse Studios

Rare's Seasoned Stewardship

Craig Duncan's journey with Rare has spanned nearly 14 years, during which he has overseen the studio's operations and led the development of several acclaimed titles. His most notable achievement was guiding the launch and ongoing success of the live-service hit, Sea of Thieves. Prior to his tenure at Rare, Duncan held key roles at other renowned game studios, including Sumo Digital, Midway, and Codemasters, further bolstering his industry experience and expertise.

Expanding the Xbox Game Studios Empire

In his new role, Duncan will be responsible for overseeing an impressive portfolio of Xbox-affiliated studios, including the renowned Halo Studios, The Coalition, Turn 10, Playground Games, Obsidian Entertainment, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, The Initiative, Double Fine, InXile Entertainment, Undead Labs, and World's Edge. This diverse collection of development teams will undoubtedly benefit from Duncan's leadership and vision, as he aims to drive the creation of high-quality, differentiated gaming experiences that can grow into successful franchises and reach a wider audience.

Forging a New Era for Xbox Game Studios

The transition from Alan Hartman to Craig Duncan marks a significant shift in the leadership of Xbox Game Studios. Hartman, who previously led the Forza studio Turn 10, has been credited with delivering 13 critically acclaimed Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon titles, cementing the franchise as one of the top racing series in the industry. Hartman's dedication to innovation and accessibility in gaming has set a benchmark for the industry, and his departure leaves a lasting legacy.

Rare's Continued Success Under New Leadership

With Duncan's promotion, Rare will now be led by Joe Neate and Jim Horth. Neate, who joined Rare in 2013 after stints at Midway and Sumo, has been the driving force behind the success of Sea of Thieves as its executive producer. Horth, a 20-year Rare veteran, will assume the role of studio director, bringing his wealth of experience to the table.

Anticipation for Xbox's Upcoming Lineup

The transition in leadership at Xbox Game Studios comes at a pivotal time, as the company prepares to unveil a highly anticipated lineup of games, including Avowed, South of Midnight, and the much-awaited Fable reboot. Under Duncan's guidance, these projects and future endeavors are poised to push the boundaries of gaming and captivate audiences worldwide.