Rare, the storied British studio behind some of gaming’s most iconic franchises, is losing one of its longest-serving and most celebrated creators. Gregg Mayles, a key figure at Rare for over three decades, is reportedly leaving the company in the wake of Everwild’s cancellation and sweeping layoffs across Microsoft-owned game studios.
Mayles, who joined Rare in 1989, is known for his creative leadership on genre-defining titles such as Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Piñata, and the live-service hit Sea of Thieves. His departure marks the end of an era for the studio, which has seen its share of highs and lows throughout its long history.
A Legendary Career at Rare
During his 35-year tenure, Mayles became synonymous with Rare’s inventive spirit and commitment to unique, whimsical game design. Rising through the ranks, he contributed as a designer and director to countless fan favorites, leaving his stamp on classics like Donkey Kong Country 2, Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, and Conker’s Bad Fur Day.
In more recent years, Mayles spearheaded the development of Sea of Thieves, which launched in 2018 and has evolved into one of Microsoft’s strongest live-service offerings.
Everwild, which was to be Mayles’ 30th project at Rare, had been in development since 2014. Initially revealed to the public in 2019, the game remained shrouded in mystery, described only as an ambitious new IP featuring nature and magical creatures. However, development reportedly stalled and was rebooted in 2021 with Mayles taking over as director. Despite these efforts, Microsoft has now decided to cancel the project entirely as part of its wider restructuring.
Microsoft Restructuring Hits Hard
The cancellation of Everwild is part of a broader shakeup within Microsoft’s gaming division, which continues to feel the aftershocks of last year’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and ongoing cost-cutting measures. The restructuring has led to widespread layoffs, with estimates suggesting that as many as 9,000 employees — about 4% of Microsoft’s global workforce — could lose their jobs.
As part of this same restructuring, Microsoft has shuttered Perfect Dark developer The Initiative and cancelled an unannounced MMORPG in development at ZeniMax Online Studios. These decisions reflect a clear effort by Microsoft to focus its resources on fewer, higher-impact projects while reducing overhead in its gaming division.
A Double Blow for Rare
Rare has been hit particularly hard by these changes. Alongside Mayles, reports indicate that Louise O’Connor, another long-time veteran of Rare with 20 years at the studio, is also leaving. O’Connor had served as an executive producer on Everwild and previously contributed to projects like Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Kinect Sports.
For fans and employees alike, these departures signal a dramatic moment in the studio’s evolution. Rare, once an independent powerhouse before its acquisition by Microsoft in 2002, has struggled at times to recapture its former magic, even as Sea of Thieves found success.
What’s Next for Mayles?
Gregg Mayles has not yet announced his next move, nor has he commented publicly on his departure. Given his unparalleled experience and reputation, it’s likely he won’t be away from the creative side of the industry for long. Whether he joins another studio, starts his own venture, or takes time to recharge, his legacy as one of Rare’s most important creative forces is secure.
For Rare, the road ahead looks uncertain. With Everwild cancelled and two of its key leaders gone, the studio’s future direction — and the fate of any unannounced projects — remains to be seen. Fans of Rare’s rich history can only hope that the studio will continue to honor its creative heritage even amid these challenging times.
