"Craig will continue to focus on helping our studios deliver high-quality, differentiated game experiences." Sea of Thieves studio boss Craig Duncan now in charge of Xbox Game Studios.

Sea of Thieves Flameheart's Burning Blade.

What you need to know

• Alan Hartman, head of Xbox Game Studios, is retiring almost a year after taking the role.
• Rare studio head Craig Duncan is the new head of Xbox Game Studios, the brand encompassing the teams that make Halo, Gears of War, and more. 
• Duncan's former role is being replaced by Joe Neate and Jim Horth, both Rare veterans that will co-manage the studio.