What's Happening?
Louise O'Connor, a long-time veteran of Rare, has been appointed as Chief of Staff at Xbox Game Studios following the cancellation of the game Everwild. O'Connor, who has been with Rare for 25 years, was the executive producer of Everwild, a project she had been overseeing since its inception. The cancellation of Everwild was part of a broader wave of layoffs at Microsoft, which affected approximately 9,000 employees across various departments, including Rare. O'Connor's new role will involve supporting various teams within Xbox Game Studios. Her appointment comes after the departure of Gregg Mayles, another senior creative at Rare, who left the company after more than 35 years.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Louise O'Connor as Chief of Staff at Xbox Game Studios is significant as it highlights Microsoft's strategy to retain experienced talent within its organization despite the cancellation of major projects like Everwild. This move could help stabilize the teams affected by the layoffs and ensure continuity in leadership. For the gaming industry, it underscores the challenges of project management and the impact of corporate restructuring on creative teams. The decision to retain O'Connor in a leadership role may also signal Microsoft's commitment to leveraging her extensive experience to drive future projects and maintain the creative legacy of Rare.
What's Next?
With O'Connor's new role, Xbox Game Studios may focus on restructuring and realigning its project priorities. The company might also explore new game development opportunities that align with its strategic goals. Stakeholders, including employees and gamers, will be watching closely to see how these changes affect the studio's output and the broader gaming landscape. Additionally, the industry will be keen to see how Rare celebrates its 40th anniversary and what new projects may emerge from the studio under the new leadership structure.
