Overview

• VGC reports that Louise O’Connor, a 25-year Rare veteran and Everwild’s executive producer, has taken a Chief of Staff role within Xbox Game Studios.
• Microsoft confirmed in July that it canceled Everwild as part of company-wide layoffs that reportedly affected up to 9,000 employees.
• O’Connor previously served as Rare’s head of animation and led its incubation team after starting her career on Conker’s Bad Fur Day.
• Craig Duncan, O’Connor’s former boss at Rare, became head of Xbox Game Studios last year, setting up a renewed working relationship.
• Senior Everwild staff departed in the cuts, including acclaimed designer Gregg Mayles, who left Rare after more than 35 years with credits on Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie.