Sea of Thieves Director Gregg Mayles Exits Rare After 35 Years
▼ Summary
– Gregg Mayles, a veteran Rare creator known for games like Banjo-Kazooie and Sea of Thieves, is reportedly leaving after 35 years.
– Mayles’ departure follows Microsoft layoffs and the cancellation of Rare’s Everwild, which he had been directing.
– Executive producer Louise O’Connor, with Rare since 1999, is also reportedly leaving the studio.
– Xbox confirmed the cancellation of Everwild and Perfect Dark, along with closing The Initiative studio, to refocus resources.
– These layoffs add to Xbox’s recent struggles, including a 3% workforce reduction in May, its largest since 2023.
Veteran game designer Gregg Mayles, the creative force behind iconic titles like Banjo-Kazooie and Sea of Thieves, has officially parted ways with Rare after an impressive 35-year tenure. His departure coincides with Microsoft’s recent restructuring efforts, which included the cancellation of Rare’s long-awaited fantasy adventure Everwild, a project Mayles had been leading for years.
Alongside Mayles, executive producer Louise O’Connor, another industry stalwart with credits on Conker’s Bad Fur Day and numerous other Rare classics, is also leaving the studio. Their exits mark the end of an era for the legendary UK-based developer, which has been a cornerstone of Microsoft’s gaming division.
The news follows Xbox’s broader strategic shift, confirmed in an internal memo from Xbox executive Matt Booty. The company has halted development on Everwild and Perfect Dark, along with several unannounced projects, while also shuttering The Initiative, the studio behind the Perfect Dark reboot. Booty described the moves as necessary to “adjust priorities and focus resources” in a rapidly evolving industry.
These layoffs add to Xbox’s recent struggles, coming just months after the company reduced its workforce by 3%, its largest cut since 2023. The gaming giant has faced mounting challenges, including studio closures and project cancellations, as it seeks to streamline operations in a competitive market.
Microsoft has yet to publicly comment on Mayles’ and O’Connor’s departures, leaving fans to speculate about the future of Rare’s creative direction. With decades of institutional knowledge walking out the door, the studio faces a pivotal moment as it navigates this new chapter.
(Source: EUROGAMER)
