Big Changes at Rare and Microsoft
In a shocking turn of events, Rare, the beloved developer behind Sea of Thieves, is facing significant restructuring, leading to potential layoffs. Sources reveal that team members were informed recently as part of a broader overhaul within Microsoft, with layoffs affecting up to 9,100 employees across various departments.
Fans of Rare have been eagerly waiting for updates on Everwild, a project that has been in development for over a decade. Despite being announced in November 2019, the game has struggled with direction, even undergoing a recent reboot. With updates few and far between, anticipation runs high as the gaming community wonders whenâ€â€or ifâ€â€new information will surface.
What’s Next for Everwild?
Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s head of gaming, has reiterated that “progress†on Everwild is indeed being made. He remarked on the lengthy development time, discussing the importance of giving teams the necessary time to craft something special. However, with the recent layoffs, the future of this title, and others in the pipeline, is in question.
Rare is no stranger to crafting hit titles; they’ve delivered classics like Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie. Since being acquired by Microsoft in 2002, Rare has expanded its portfolio, contributing to beloved franchises. Yet, the uncertainty surrounding Everwild raises concerns about the studio’s creative direction and stability.
As the gaming landscape evolves, teams must adapt swiftly to remain competitive. With management layers being trimmed at Microsoft to enhance agility, the direction of Rare and its upcoming projects could shift dramatically. Fans can only hope that this change will result in a brighter, more focused future for Everwild and the studio as a whole.