Gregg Mayles, one of the most influential figures in British game development, has departed Rare after an impressive 35-year career. His exit comes on the heels of the official cancellation of Everwild, an ambitious new IP first revealed at E3 2019 that Mayles had been leading since 2021.
Mayles began his journey at Rare in the late 1980s and quickly rose to prominence as a key creative force behind some of gaming’s most beloved franchises. His impressive resume includes serving as creative lead on Donkey Kong Country, directing both Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, and most recently, steering the pirate adventure Sea of Thieves from concept to its ongoing success.
The timing of his departure raises questions about Rare’s future. With Everwild now officially scrapped after years of troubled development and multiple creative resets, the studio appears to be at a crossroads. Reports indicate that Rare currently has no other announced projects beyond continued support for Sea of Thieves, which launched in 2018.
Mayles was the last major link to Rare’s golden era during its Nintendo partnership in the 1990s, when the studio created hit after hit. After Microsoft’s acquisition of Rare in 2002, the studio’s output changed dramatically, with fewer new releases and a shift toward different types of games.
Everwild‘s cancellation adds to a pattern of challenges for the once-prolific developer. The game had been showcased with stunning visuals and an enchanting world but reportedly struggled with defining its core gameplay. Despite multiple attempts to redirect the project, including bringing Mayles on board to tighten the ship, Microsoft ultimately decided to pull the plug.
Sea of Thieves remains Rare’s primary focus and has enjoyed commercial success despite initial mixed reviews. The online pirate adventure has kept the studio going through regular updates and expansions, though fans have long hoped for more from the creators of so many classic series.
Where’s the next treasure chest?
Fan reaction to Mayles’ departure has been one of shock and nostalgia. Many point to his role as an advocate for new IP development rather than relying on past successes. His creative vision shaped franchises that defined childhoods across multiple generations, from the precision platforming of Donkey Kong Country to the charm and humor of Banjo-Kazooie.
With Mayles gone and no new projects announced, questions loom about what’s next for the legendary British studio. Will Microsoft push for revivals of fan-favorite series like Banjo-Kazooie or Viva Piñata, or will Rare continue to focus exclusively on Sea of Thieves? For now, the departure of its longest-serving creative leader marks the end of an era for a studio that once seemed to have the Midas touch.
