Xbox legend Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft after 29 years
Xbox loses one of its best.
Shannon Loftis has been a mainstay at Microsoft for almost three decades, responsible for building classics like Fable, Project Gotham Racing, Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts, and many more of the best games on Xbox. Recently, Shannon Loftis lead the charge at World's Edge, reviving the years-dormant Age of Empires franchise. Working successfully with Relic Entertainment, Microsoft revealed that last year's Age of Empires IV is the fastest-selling in the game's history, and is slated to continue to receive new content long into the future.
Today, after 29 years, Shannon Loftis announced her retirement, leaving behind a huge legacy at Xbox. World's Edge will be taken over by Michael Mann, who served as Age of Empires IV's executive producer.
Loftis noted that Age of Empires IV will get a major update sometime in spring, bringing fresh content and new game modes, alongside updates for Age of Empires II and III Definitive Editions as well.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said on Twitter that working with Shannon Loftis has been "one of the most rewarding and insightful parts of [his] career," with many other developers and industry figures weighing in. Everybody I've spoken to on and off the record has only ever had positive things to say about Shannon Loftis, with colleagues emphasizing that her customer-centricity and leadership have shaped the Xbox of today.
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Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter (X) and Threads, and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!