October 15, 2024 – Alan Hartman, the long-serving head of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios, is set to retire at the end of November, with Craig Duncan, currently the lead at Rare, stepping into his shoes.
Hartman, whose career has been marked by his involvement in hit franchises like “Forza” and “Fable,” is preparing to pass the torch after a remarkable journey in the gaming industry.
Meanwhile, Duncan, who has been a part of Rare for nearly 14 years and is best known for his work on the popular game “Sea of Thieves,” is poised to take on this new challenge.
In an email to employees, Matt Booty, the President of Xbox Game Content and Studios, praised Hartman’s legacy, stating, “Alan’s career has been marked by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering passion for gaming.” The email detailed Hartman’s journey from being a contractor on Microsoft’s nascent CD-ROM team in 1988 to his diverse projects, including “Age of Empires,” his role as the head of Digital Anvil, and finally, the founding of Turn 10 Studios.
Under Hartman’s leadership, Turn 10 and Playground Games have released 13 titles in the “Forza” and “Forza Horizon” series, elevating “Forza” to become one of the world’s top racing franchises and regularly pushing the boundaries of hardware capabilities.
Looking ahead, Booty expressed confidence in Duncan’s ability to continue this legacy, noting that he will focus on helping the studios deliver high-quality, differentiated gaming experiences that can grow into successful franchises and attract new players through investments in new IP.
