Exclusive: Xbox Game Studios Chief Explains PS5 Game Strategy and 2025 Lessons
2026 is poised to be a pivotal year for Xbox Game Studios, with significant new releases scheduled for its top franchises. Upcoming titles include new entries in Fable, Forza, Halo, and Gears of War. This strategy coincides with Xbox’s 25th anniversary and highlights their ambitious multiplatform approach. In light of the recent Xbox Developer Direct event, we sat down with Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, for more insights into these developments.
Exciting Lineup for Xbox in 2026
As Xbox Game Studios gears up for 2026, the excitement surrounding its four flagship franchises is palpable. The lineup features:
- Fable
- Forza Horizon 6
- Halo: Campaign Evolved
- Gears of War: E-Day
Duncan expressed enthusiasm over the impact these titles will have, stating that they have been in development under his leadership for the last two years. He emphasized the passion his teams have for their work and the collaborative nature of development.
Lessons from the Past
The past year provided valuable lessons for Xbox. In 2025, Xbox Game Studios shipped a total of 15 unique projects, expanding their reputation in the gaming industry. Duncan noted that this robust output reflects the quality and quantity of games the studio aims to deliver. However, he acknowledged the challenges of managing multiple releases within a compressed timeframe and emphasized the need for better scheduling to give each game “oxygen” for a successful release.
Multiplatform Strategy
Another area of focus for Xbox is its multiplatform strategy. In 2025, Xbox successfully launched six titles on PlayStation 5. Duncan clarified this approach as a way to maximize player reach, citing the positive reception of games like Forza Horizon 5 on multiple platforms. He is committed to making Xbox titles accessible across all major consoles, adapting based on development realities.
Future of Game Development at Xbox
Regarding Xbox’s publishing strategy, Duncan expressed a strong commitment to teamwork among studios. He mentioned that collaboration between teams, such as between Playground Games and Rare, has been essential in achieving their creative goals. Each studio brings unique strengths, allowing for a diverse portfolio that caters to various gaming audiences.
Upcoming Titles and Innovation
New titles like Fable are expected to push creative boundaries. Duncan spoke about Playground Games’ ambitious vision, bringing a fresh perspective to traditional game mechanics, such as the Living Population feature. With an eye on fostering innovation, Xbox Game Studios plans to support projects like Double Fine’s Kiln—an unexpected multiplayer game that emerged from creative experimentation.
Outlook for Xbox Game Studios
As the Xbox brand prepares for its 25th anniversary, Duncan envisions continued growth and diversity within the gaming lineup. The focus will remain on delivering quality experiences across platforms while learning from previous years. With an expansive catalog of studios with various strengths, Xbox Game Studios aims to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
In anticipation of 2026, Xbox Game Studios reinforces its commitment to innovation, quality, and inclusivity, marking a significant evolution in its gaming strategy.
