Xbox Game Studios Appoints Rare Veteran Louise O’Connor as Chief of Staff Following Everwild Cancellation

What's Happening?

Louise O’Connor, a veteran of Rare with 25 years of experience, has been appointed as the Chief of Staff at Xbox Game Studios. This move follows the cancellation of the game Everwild, which O’Connor had been overseeing since its inception. The cancellation was part of a broader series of layoffs at Microsoft, which affected approximately 9,000 employees across various departments, including Rare. O’Connor, who began her career working on Nintendo 64’s Conker’s Bad Fur Day, has held several senior positions at Rare, including head of animation and head of the incubation team. Her new role at Xbox Game Studios will involve supporting various teams within the organization.

Why It's Important?

The appointment of Louise O’Connor as Chief of Staff at Xbox Game Studios is significant as it highlights the company's strategy to retain experienced talent despite the cancellation of major projects like Everwild. This move could help stabilize the workforce and maintain morale following the layoffs. O’Connor’s extensive experience and leadership within Rare are expected to contribute positively to Xbox Game Studios' future projects. The decision also underscores Microsoft's commitment to leveraging internal talent to navigate through challenging transitions, which could influence the company's long-term strategic direction in the gaming industry.

What's Next?

With O’Connor in her new role, Xbox Game Studios may focus on restructuring and optimizing its project management and development processes. The company might also explore new game development opportunities, leveraging O’Connor’s expertise to spearhead innovative projects. Stakeholders, including employees and investors, will likely monitor how these changes impact the studio's output and overall performance in the competitive gaming market.