Microsoft Gaming has announced a significant leadership change within its Stockholm-based Mojang Studios, the renowned developer behind Minecraft. Åsa Bredin, who has led the studio since 2023, has decided to step down from her role to focus on personal goals outside of work. Bredin joined Mojang Studios in 2021 and has been instrumental in shaping the studio’s vision and direction during her tenure. Her departure marks the end of a chapter for Mojang, but the studio is set to continue thriving under new leadership. Kayleen Walters, a seasoned executive within Microsoft Gaming, has been appointed as the new head of Mojang Studios, effective immediately. Walters, who is currently based in Redmond, Washington, will take on this additional responsibility while maintaining her role as vice president and head of franchise development at Microsoft Gaming.
Walters’ appointment is a testament to her deep expertise and leadership within the gaming industry. Before joining Microsoft in 2018, she spent 13 years at Lucasfilm, where she rose to the position of vice president of franchise marketing and integrated planning. At Microsoft, she has played a pivotal role in driving the growth of the Minecraft franchise, initially leading brand and entertainment efforts before expanding her responsibilities to oversee franchise development across the entire Microsoft Gaming division. Her extensive experience in franchise management, marketing, and cross-studio collaboration makes her an ideal candidate to lead Mojang Studios into its next phase. Walters will split her time between Redmond and Stockholm, ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining strong ties between the two locations. She will report to Helen Chiang, Microsoft’s chief operating officer of game content and studios.
Bredin’s decision to leave Mojang Studios was not made lightly, but it reflects her desire to pursue personal goals and step away from the demands of a high-profile leadership role. During her time at Mojang, she has been a driving force behind the studio’s success, helping to navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving gaming landscape while fostering a strong sense of community and innovation. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on both the studio and the Minecraft franchise as a whole. Bredin will remain with Mojang through the end of February to assist with the transition, ensuring that the studio continues to operate smoothly during this period of change. Her dedication and commitment to Mojang’s mission have been widely praised by her colleagues, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the studio’s future endeavors.
In addition to Walters’ new role, Microsoft Gaming has also announced other leadership changes to further strengthen its operations. Federico San Martin, who previously worked closely with Walters on franchise development, will now take on the day-to-day management of the franchise development team. He will report directly to Walters, ensuring continuity and alignment with the studio’s overarching goals. Amy Stillion, who has served as chief of staff, will expand her responsibilities to include supporting Mojang Studios directly. She will also lead the Redmond-based People Experience team and join the Mojang leadership team, further solidifying the collaboration between the Stockholm and Redmond offices. These changes underscore Microsoft’s commitment to fostering a cohesive and supportive leadership structure that spans across its global teams.
The timing of these leadership changes is particularly notable, as it coincides with the upcoming release of the Warner Bros.-produced Minecraft movie in April. This highly anticipated film represents a major milestone for the franchise, bringing the beloved world of Minecraft to the big screen and introducing it to new audiences. With Walters at the helm, Mojang Studios is well-positioned to capitalize on the momentum generated by the movie, further expanding the Minecraft universe and deepening its connection with fans worldwide. The film’s release is expected to coincide with a renewed focus on the game’s community-driven initiatives, cementing Minecraft’s status as a cultural phenomenon.
In an internal memo announcing the leadership shuffle, Helen Chiang expressed her confidence in the new leadership team and its ability to drive continued success for Mojang Studios and the Minecraft franchise. “Change is never easy,” Chiang wrote, “but I have full confidence in this team and its ability to deliver incredible experiences for our players and community.” She emphasized the importance of a “One Team” mindset, highlighting the need for collaboration between the Stockholm and Redmond offices. Chiang also praised Bredin’s contributions, thanking her for her dedication and wishing her well in her future endeavors. She concluded by expressing excitement for Walters’ leadership and the opportunities that lie ahead for Mojang Studios. The memo was met with widespread support from the team, reflecting the positive sentiment surrounding these changes and the confidence in the studio’s future.
As Mojang Studios enters this new chapter, Kayleen Walters and her leadership team are set to build on the foundation laid by Åsa Bredin and the entire Mojang team. With a clear vision for the future and a strong leadership structure in place, the studio is poised to continue delivering innovative and engaging experiences for the Minecraft community. The upcoming movie and other initiatives will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the franchise’s trajectory, and with Walters at the helm, fans can expect exciting developments in the years to come. Mojang Studios remains a cornerstone of Microsoft Gaming’s success, and this transition marks an important step in its ongoing journey to inspire creativity and connectivity through the power of gaming.
