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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCraig Duncan succeeded Alan Hartman as head of Xbox Game Studios in November 2024, moving from his longtime role leading Rare. Hartman retired after more than three decades at Microsoft. Duncan later left the post in June 2026, so the appointment is a completed chapter—not a description of Xbox’s current leadership.
What happened to Xbox Game Studios leadership?
Microsoft announced that Duncan would take over from Hartman in October 2024, with the transition taking effect in November. Xbox introduced Duncan as its “new Head of Xbox Game Studios” in an official podcast. Contemporary coverage of the appointment reported that Hartman was retiring after more than 30 years at Microsoft.
This was a change at the head of Xbox Game Studios, the organization responsible for a broad group of first-party development and publishing teams. It was not a change in the leadership of all Xbox or Microsoft Gaming, and it did not announce a new game or alter a specific release plan.
Who is Craig Duncan?
Duncan worked in the games industry before joining Rare, with experience associated with Codemasters, Midway Games and Sumo Digital. He joined Rare in 2011 and led the studio until his move to Xbox Game Studios in 2024.
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
His years at Rare
During Duncan’s leadership, Rare released Rare Replay and developed and launched Sea of Thieves, which the studio continued to support as a live-service game. Duncan was Rare’s leader during that work, not the game’s sole creator: Sea of Thieves was made by Rare’s development team. An earlier Xbox podcast discusses Duncan’s role as studio head and Rare’s collaborative approach to developing the game.
Xbox’s later interview with Duncan described his focus on creating the culture and conditions in which development teams can do their best work. His appointment brought that studio-level experience to a much wider portfolio.
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What did the Xbox Game Studios role cover?
The role put Duncan over a large first-party organization, not just Rare. Contemporary reporting on his remit named teams and groups including Halo Studios, The Coalition, Turn 10, Playground Games, Rare, Obsidian Entertainment, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, The Initiative, Double Fine, inXile, Undead Labs, World’s Edge and Xbox Game Studios Publishing. This is a snapshot of the reported portfolio around his appointment, not a permanent organizational chart: Microsoft’s reporting lines and studio structure can change.
That distinction matters when interpreting the title. “Head of Xbox Game Studios” does not mean head of the Xbox platform, Microsoft Gaming’s chief executive, or the sole decision-maker on company-wide strategy. Xbox’s platform, services and wider gaming businesses extend beyond the studio group.
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- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
What did Duncan say he would prioritize?
At the time of the appointment, the stated assignment was to help Xbox studios deliver high-quality, differentiated games. In his subsequent official Xbox interview, Duncan described priorities that included supporting studio leaders and teams, building healthy development cultures, reaching more players and supporting Xbox’s multiplatform approach. He also spoke about removing barriers to playing together across platforms where Microsoft chose to support that model.
Those comments describe Duncan’s stated management approach; they are not evidence that the appointment itself changed Xbox’s platform policy or guaranteed any particular game, feature or release.
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- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
Why did Alan Hartman retire?
Hartman was a veteran Microsoft executive whose career included senior leadership at Turn 10 and responsibility for Forza Motorsport. He led Xbox Game Studios for roughly a year before the handover to Duncan. The appointment coverage described his departure as retirement; it did not establish that he was dismissed or that a particular delay, cancellation or game-performance issue caused the decision.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What changed after Duncan’s appointment?
Duncan left in June 2026
Duncan stepped down from the Xbox Game Studios role on June 15, 2026, after roughly 18 months. The Game Business reported his departure, while Windows Central reported that Xbox executive Matt Booty was overseeing the studios on an interim basis as Microsoft looked for a successor. The reporting also said former Rare executive Louise O’Connor was leaving Xbox around the same time. The cited coverage did not establish a permanent successor.
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
The departure came amid a broader Xbox reset
Microsoft announced a major Xbox restructuring on July 6, 2026. Its “Resetting Xbox” statement described plans for approximately 3,200 job reductions and fewer management layers, alongside changes involving several studios. It also said publicly announced first-party projects were not being canceled as part of those specific reductions. Duncan’s departure overlapped with this period of organizational change, but the available reporting does not establish that the restructuring caused his departure—or that his 2024 appointment caused the later reset.
What did the change mean for Rare and players?
Duncan’s move did not mean Rare closed or left Xbox. Rare remained an Xbox Game Studio and continued supporting Sea of Thieves; Xbox had identified it as such in its 2024 Earth Day coverage. The leadership change itself did not announce a new Rare game, an expansion or a release date. Those plans need to be checked against separate game announcements.
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