In a move that marks the end of an era for the video game industry, Gregg Mayles, the visionary director behind beloved classics like Banjo-Kazooie and the recent hit Sea of Thieves, has announced his departure from Rare Ltd. The veteran developer, who spent an incredible 36 years with the legendary British studio, shared the news in a characteristically whimsical and poetic post on X (formerly Twitter).
Mayles, who joined Rare in 1989 straight out of high school, titled his farewell, “A Rather Resplendent Rewarding Rare Ramble,” a masterful piece of alliteration that instantly evoked the charming, rhyming dialogue which defined one of his most famous creations. His exit signals the closing of a major chapter for Rare, a studio whose name is synonymous with gaming’s golden age.
A Poetic Journey Through a Landmark Career
In his poetic X post, Mayles didn't just say goodbye; he took fans on a nostalgic journey through his storied career. He recounted his early decision to pursue his passion for game design over a more conventional path, a choice that led him to become one of the most influential figures in Rare's history.
His rhyme served as a living portfolio, nodding to his foundational work on genre-defining titles like the tough-as-nails Battletoads, the revolutionary Donkey Kong Country, and the chaotic fun of Diddy Kong Racing. The poem gracefully spanned decades, touching on later projects like the spooky comedy Grabbed by the Ghoulies, the vibrant life simulator Viva Piñata, and his most recent role as the director of the blockbuster shared-world adventure, Sea of Thieves.
He signed off with a final, fitting couplet: “Now time to start new tales to tell, Farewell to Rare, he waves, farewell!”
You can read his full, heartfelt farewell below:
https://x.com/Ghoulyboy/status/1978112736270655778
Shaping Generations: From Banjo to the High Seas
Gregg Mayles’ impact on gaming is almost immeasurable. Over his 36-year tenure, he contributed to an astounding 30 games, many of which are etched into the memories of millions.
He was the creative force behind the 1998 Nintendo 64 masterpiece Banjo-Kazooie, a 3D platformer celebrated for its inventive worlds, memorable characters, and clever writing. The game sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and spawned a direct sequel, Banjo-Tooie, in 2000. His influence extended across Rare’s most prolific period, contributing to the Donkey Kong Country series and the beloved kart-racer Diddy Kong Racing.
More recently, Mayles proved his adaptability and enduring talent by steering Rare into the modern era of live-service gaming. As the director of Sea of Thieves, which launched in 2018, he oversaw the creation of Rare’s most successful game to date. The shared-world pirate adventure has captivated a massive community, amassing over 40 million players across PC and Xbox platforms.
Departure Amidst Turbulence: The Shadow of Everwild’s Cancellation
Mayles’ departure comes during a period of significant transition and challenge for Rare and its parent company, Microsoft. Since Microsoft's acquisition of the studio in 2002 for $375 million, Rare shifted its focus exclusively to Xbox platforms, a move that was met with mixed reactions from its longtime Nintendo-focused fanbase.
While Sea of Thieves stands as a monumental success, the studio has faced its share of setbacks, including the reliance on Kinect titles like Kinect Sports Rivals.
Most notably, Mayles was at the helm of Rare’s ambitious and long-in-development project, Everwild. Announced in 2019, the open-world adventure was highly anticipated for its stunning art style and mysterious premise. However, the game’s development was reportedly troubled, undergoing multiple reboots and directional changes over its five-year journey.
In a devastating blow, Microsoft made the decision to cancel Everwild in July 2025 as part of widespread company layoffs that affected up to 9,000 employees. The cuts also led to the cancellation of The Initiative's Perfect Dark reboot, another project connected to Rare's storied legacy.
While Mayles did not specify a reason for his departure in his poetic farewell, industry sources and observers widely speculate that the cancellation of Everwild—a project he had personally shepherded for nearly a decade—was a defining factor in his decision to seek a new chapter.
Gregg Mayles leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the childhoods and careers of countless gamers and developers. As he waves farewell to Rare, the entire gaming community watches with anticipation to see what "new tales" this legendary storyteller will choose to tell next.
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