Rumour: ‘Xbox design head replaced’

Xbox design manager Don Coyner has been replaced as the lead for Microsoft’s next-gen console, according to reports.

Cnet claims two sources who work for Microsoft said that Coyner is no longer leading the design and experience group for Xbox.

The sources also said that Coyner has been replaced by general manager of Xbox experiences Emma Williams, who worked on the recently launched Xbox Live interface.

They added that Williams will now be working on the design and brand strategy for Microsoft’s next-gen console.

Coyner will repotedly still be working at Microsoft but will take up an as yet undisclosed role.

In response to the claims a Microsoft spokesman said: “We don’t comment on personnel issues”.

Coyner began work at Microsoft in 1995 in product management, before becoming director of marketing for Xbox in 1999.

In 2001 he became general manager of entertainment design for Xbox and is credited with playing a pivotal part in the design of both the current generation console and Xbox Live.