SPEAKER 1: Games featured in this podcast are rated E to M.

TINA AMINI: Welcome to the official Xbox Podcast. I’m joined today by a special guest, Craig Duncan, the new Head of Xbox Game Studios. Welcome to the Xbox family, Craig.

CRAIG DUNCAN: Thanks, Tina. I’m excited to be here, although I’m still getting used to my new role.

TINA AMINI: We’re glad to have you on board. Before we dive in, I want to give our listeners some context about your background in the gaming industry. You’ve been in the business for over two decades, with a storied history at Rare and other notable studios.

CRAIG DUNCAN: That’s right. I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen the industry evolve over the years, and I’ve had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects. I’ve been with Xbox for 14 years now, and I’ve seen the company grow and change in incredible ways.

TINA AMINI: That’s fantastic. As the new Head of Xbox Game Studios, what do you think is the most important part of your job?

CRAIG DUNCAN: For me, it’s all about creating an environment where our teams can thrive and make the best games possible. Making games is hard, and it’s only getting harder with higher player expectations and more competition. My goal is to support our leaders and teams in any way I can, so they can focus on creating amazing experiences for our players.

TINA AMINI: That’s great to hear. We’ve got a big year ahead of us, with some exciting games on the horizon. Let’s talk about Developer Direct, which kicked off the year. What were some of your favorite moments from the show?

CRAIG DUNCAN: I loved seeing the passion and excitement from our developers, and the opportunity to showcase some of our upcoming games. Avowed, from Obsidian, is one that I’m particularly excited about. The team has put so much love and care into that game, and it’s going to be a real treat for players.

TINA AMINI: I’ve been playing Avowed myself, and I can attest to its quality. The storytelling, the characters, the gameplay – it all comes together to create an incredible experience.

CRAIG DUNCAN: Absolutely. And I think that’s what sets our studio apart – the talent and dedication of our developers. We’re not just making games; we’re creating worlds and characters that players can lose themselves in.

TINA AMINI: That’s so true. Another game that caught my eye was South of Midnight, from Compulsion Games. What can you tell us about that title?

CRAIG DUNCAN: South of Midnight is a real labor of love for the team at Compulsion. They’ve created a unique and captivating world, with a strong focus on storytelling and atmosphere. I think players are going to be blown away by the game’s beauty and depth.

TINA AMINI: I’ve had the chance to play it myself, and I can attest to its quality. The music, the art style, the characters – everything comes together to create an immersive experience.

CRAIG DUNCAN: The music is indeed a highlight of the game. I love how it complements the gameplay and atmosphere, drawing players into the world.

TINA AMINI: We also had some exciting news about Ninja Gaiden 4. Can you tell us more about that game and its development?

CRAIG DUNCAN: Ninja Gaiden 4 is a highly anticipated title, and we’re excited to bring it to players later this year. The team at Team Ninja has been working hard to create a game that lives up to the franchise’s legacy, with fast-paced action and a rich storyline.

TINA AMINI: And we can’t forget about Expedition 33, from Sandfall Interactive. What can you tell us about that game and its development?

CRAIG DUNCAN: Expedition 33 is a thrilling JRPG with a unique setting and engaging gameplay. The team at Sandfall Interactive has put their heart and soul into the game, and we’re excited to bring it to players on April 24.

TINA AMINI: Last but not least, let’s talk about Fable. Where are we at with that game, and what can players expect?

CRAIG DUNCAN: Fable is a highly anticipated title, and we’re excited to bring it to players in 2026. The team at Playground Games has been working hard to create a game that lives up to the franchise’s legacy, with a rich storyline, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals.

TINA AMINI: Well, that’s all the time we have for today. Thanks for joining us, Craig, and we look forward to seeing what the rest of the year has in store for Xbox.

CRAIG DUNCAN: Thanks, Tina. It’s been a pleasure.