Veteran Rare Developer Joins Xbox Leadership
Louise O'Connor, a seasoned veteran from the esteemed British developer Rare, has been appointed Chief of Staff at Xbox Game Studios. This significant move comes in the wake of the cancellation of Rare's ambitious project, Everwild, and broader organizational changes within Microsoft's gaming division.
O'Connor's Extensive Career at Rare
O'Connor brings over 25 years of experience from Rare, where her career began as an artist and animator on the classic Nintendo 64 title, Conker's Bad Fur Day. Over the years, she advanced to lead the animation department and later headed the studio's incubation team, fostering new game ideas. Interestingly, Craig Duncan, who previously led Rare and was O'Connor's boss for over a decade, now serves as the head of Xbox Game Studios, creating a familiar dynamic in her new role.
Impact of Recent Microsoft Layoffs
The cancellation of Everwild was part of a larger wave of layoffs that affected approximately 9,000 Microsoft employees this summer. The gaming division felt a considerable impact, which included the departure of legendary Rare game designer Gregg Mayles. With an impressive 35-year tenure at Rare, Mayles was a creative force behind many of the studio's most iconic games, such as Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Grabbed by the Ghoulies, and Viva Piñata. His first game, Solar Jetman, was released in 1990.
Rare's 40th Anniversary Amidst Change
Despite these significant personnel changes, Rare recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with various festivities. The milestone was marked by special Xbox console customizations, in-game rewards for Sea of Thieves players, themed merchandise, and a notable presence at gamescom.
In her new role as Chief of Staff, Louise O'Connor will focus on supporting the development teams across Xbox Game Studios, aiding them in their work on new titles. Her appointment signals Xbox's commitment to leveraging seasoned talent within its internal structure, even as its studios navigate project cancellations and the departure of long-serving creators. This move will be crucial in shaping the future development pipeline for Xbox's first-party lineup.
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