Matt Booty is an American video game executive and the executive vice president (EVP) and chief content officer (CCO) of the Xbox division, following his tenure as head of Xbox Game Studios from January 2018 to February 2026. In his current role, he oversees content strategy across Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem, including first-party franchises, acquisitions, and cross-platform initiatives.

Early life

Matt Booty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer and electrical engineering and a Master of Fine Arts degree, both from Purdue University.

Career

Booty began his career in the video game industry in 1991 as an engineer at Midway Games in Chicago. He worked as a programmer and game designer on classic titles such as Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, NFL Blitz, and Cruis'n USA, contributing to Midway’s early 3D graphics efforts in collaboration with 3DFX and Nintendo. In 2002, he became general manager of Midway’s Chicago studio, later overseeing studios in Seattle, San Diego, Austin, Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, and Australia. He was appointed CEO of Midway in 2008.

Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios

After leaving Midway, Booty joined Microsoft in 2010 and eventually became head of Xbox Game Studios in January 2018, overseeing first-party development teams responsible for franchises including Halo, Age of Empires, Forza, Flight Simulator, Minecraft, and Gears of War.

He previously led the global teams responsible for developing Minecraft, including Microsoft’s 2014 acquisition of Mojang. Under his leadership, Minecraft was successfully integrated into Xbox Game Studios and expanded to new platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, as well as into new areas such as virtual reality, education, and community content experiences.

Booty served as head of Xbox Game Studios until February 2026, when he transitioned to become EVP and CCO of the Xbox division. In this executive role, he focuses on content strategy, first-party game development oversight, and cross-platform initiatives across Microsoft Gaming, while new leadership manages day-to-day studio operations.

Personal Life

Outside of his professional work, Booty is also an avid aviation photographer. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Kristin, and their son, Alexander.