Turn 10 co-founder, studio director, and vice president Dan Greenawalt has left Microsoft after 27 years. His departure coincided with a massive restructuring of the Xbox gaming division, under which Turn 10 is merging with Playground Games.
As reported by The Verge, Playground Games head Trevor Williams announced Greenawalt’s departure in an internal memo to staff. According to him, the developer decided that now was the right time to retire from Microsoft.
Williams also noted Greenawalt’s significant contribution to the gaming industry and the company itself over nearly three decades. He took part in the release of Project Gotham Racing for the original Xbox in 2001, was at the origins of the Forza series, and founded Turn 10 Studios. In addition, Greenawalt repeatedly spoke at Microsoft’s E3 presentations, often appearing on stage alongside supercars.
It is hard to overstate Dan’s impact over the last 27 years. [...] On behalf of both teams, I want to thank Dan for his leadership, support, and partnership. Wishing him all the best in whatever comes next.
Greenawalt’s departure comes amid massive changes within Xbox. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the layoff of around 3,200 employees and the closure of four game studios. Under the new structure, Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games will work together on the Forza and Fable franchises.