Xbox Executives Depart Amid Reports of Compulsion Games Shutdown
Xbox has recently experienced significant leadership changes, with Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor reportedly departing the company. These executive exits coincide with reports indicating the potential shutdown of Compulsion Games, a subsidiary known for developing the upcoming title "South of Midnight." While Xbox has not officially confirmed the studio's closure, a Kotaku reporter noted ongoing negotiations between Compulsion Games leadership and Microsoft regarding the future of the development team.
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing internal shakeups, including recent executive departures and reports concerning a studio shutdown.
On Monday, news emerged that Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, and Louise O'Connor, chief of staff, had left the company, according to The Game Business. Hours later, Kotaku reported that Compulsion Games, the studio behind the anticipated 2025 title "South of Midnight," was reportedly in the process of being shut down.
Xbox has not officially confirmed the shutdown of Compulsion Games. A Kotaku reporter stated on social media that studio leadership is engaged in "negotiations" with Microsoft concerning the fate of its development team. At least one Compulsion employee reportedly posted on social media indicating they were seeking new employment.
These developments follow earlier leadership changes within Xbox, including the departure of longtime Xbox head Phil Spencer and the subsequent appointment of former AI executive Asha Sharma to a leadership role in recent months.
In broader context, Xbox has been teasing its next console, dubbed "Project Helix," since March, and has adjusted its policy regarding the release of some first-party games on competing platforms. Despite these strategic moves, more layoffs are widely anticipated within the company, according to Bloomberg.
(Source: Mashable Tech)
