Microsoft has revealed that it has expanded Kudo Tsunoda’s role at Microsoft Studios in a major management reshuffle that saw roles of quite a few other executives change or expand.
Tsunoda’s new role involves leading “a bunch of Xbox teams,” including Microsoft developers Rare, Lionhead, Twisted Pixel and Lift London. He will also lead some new teams including Press Play, Twisted Pixel, and Decisive Games. At Global Publishing, Tsunoda will oversee development of titles such as Quantum Break, Scalebound, and Crackdown.
“While the Halo, Gears of War, Forza and Minecraft franchises will continue to report to Phil Spencer, Kudo will lead the vision and experience development of our other Microsoft Studios portfolio investments in the United States, Europe and across our global publishing team,” Microsoft said.
“Kudo has been driving the creative direction and experience development for Microsoft HoloLens, and will bring a fresh, innovative and gamer-centric approach to development for our expanding and diverse game portfolio across Xbox and Windows 10 devices including HoloLens.”
The major reshuffle at Microsoft will also see more execs taking on new responsibilities. Hanno Lemke, Black Tusk Studios general manager, will now be GM for the platform holder’s UK studios and will relocate to London. John Needham, the studio head at Lionhead, will move back to Xbox’s Redmond HQ to work on HoloLens and new Xbox IP. Wil Mozell, formerly the GM of Big Park, has been made general manager of Microsoft Studios Canada and will work with Black Tusk. Longtime developer Rod Fergusson has been promoted to head up Black Tusk Studios.
The Redmond also confirmed that the Halo, Gears of War, Forza and Minecraft franchises will continue to report to head of Xbox, Phil Spencer.
