Xbox promotes Kudo Tsunoda to handle UK studios

Microsoft has promoted Kudo Tsunoda, the developer who was instrumental in the creation of Kinect.

Tsunoda’s new role involves working with key Xbox studios around the US and Europe, including UK devs Rare, Lionhead and Lift London, according to GameSpot.

What’s notable is that some of these responsibilities were previously held by Xbox exec Phil Harrison. Reports emerged last week that Harrison could be leaving the platform holder.

The mention of Lift London is also confusing, as Microsoft reportedly confirmed its plans to merge the studio with Soho Productions to work on non-games projects.

Tsunoda has also been working on Microsoft’s new HoloLens technology – a project he will continue to be involved with in his new role.

Microsoft released a video interview between Tsunoda and Larry ‘Major Nelson’ Hyrb, which you can see below.

Tusnoda’s promotion is part of a broader reshuffle at Microsoft, with three more execs taking on new responsibilities.

Black Tusk Studios general manager Hanno Lemke will now be GM for the platform holder’s UK studios and will relocate to London. Lionhead boss John Needham, meanwhile, will move back to Xbox’s Redmond HQ to work on HoloLens and new Xbox IP.

Finally, Wil Mozell has been made general manager of Microsoft Studios Canada and will work with Black Tusk.