Gregg Mayles, a prominent figure at Rare, is set to leave the studio after a remarkable 35-year career following the cancellation of the long-anticipated game Everwild. Mayles, known for his work on classics like Banjo-Kazooie and more recently Sea of Thieves, has been associated with Rare since its inception. The recent layoffs at Xbox Game Studios have led to the confirmation of Everwild’s cancellation, a project that had been in development for nearly a decade and was initially announced six years ago. Alongside Mayles, producer Louise O'Connor will also exit Rare after two decades.

The cancellation of Everwild was communicated in a company-wide email from Xbox Game Studios' head, Matt Booty, as a part of a broader strategy to refocus team efforts in a shifting industry landscape. This decision reflects the challenges in game development and the competitive market, leading to the halt of other projects, including a reboot of Perfect Dark.

Why was Everwild canceled?

Everwild was canceled due to strategic shifts within Xbox Game Studios aimed at focusing resources and improving success rates. The complex development challenges and changes in project priorities contributed significantly to this decision.

Everwild was envisioned as a unique IP from Rare that promised an enchanting experience set in a magical world. The game's reveal showcased its potential to innovate within the adventure genre, anticipating an engaging narrative and stunning visuals. Unfortunately, despite the excitement surrounding its development, it joins the ranks of other ambitious projects that faced significant hurdles prompting their cancellation.