By Sickr on July 2, 2025

It is being reported with today's brutal Microsoft news that Rare's influential game designer Gregg Mayles has parted ways with Rare after being with the British developer for over 35 years. Mayles was behind a number of key Rare titles on the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 such as Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie. Louise O'Connor, another Rare veteran, is also leaving the company. Her first project was Conker's Bad Fur Day on the Nintendo 64.

"He went on to become one of the British studio's most prolific and celebrated game directors, helming Donkey Kong Country and its sequel, Banjo-Kazooie and Tooie, Grabbed by the Ghoulies, and Viva Pinata. Under Microsoft, he also designed Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Kinect Sports, and served as the creative director for its live service hit Sea of Thieves. In total, Mayles has worked on nearly 30 games at Rare."