Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Yes. Gregg Mayles confirmed that October 14, 2025, was his last day at Rare. He joined the studio in 1989 and spent about 36 years there, contributing to games including Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie and Sea of Thieves. His farewell did not give a reason for leaving or say what he plans to do next.
When did Gregg Mayles leave Rare?
Mayles publicly confirmed his departure on October 14, 2025, writing: “Today was my last day at Rare.” VGC reproduced the farewell post, in which he thanked the people who played the games he helped create and the colleagues who worked alongside him. VGC’s October 14 report and Time Extension’s October 15 update both recorded the confirmation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit - Nintendo Switch | $22.38 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Microsoft Rare Replay (Xbox One) | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
NickToons & The Dice of Destiny - Nintendo Switch | $22.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Taito Milestones Collector's Edition - Nintendo Switch - [PEGI] - LIMITED](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511LgFChBzL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Taito Milestones Collector's Edition - Nintendo Switch - [PEGI] - LIMITED | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Rare Replay – Xbox One | $20.48 | Buy on Amazon |
Mayles joined Rare in 1989, at age 18, according to Time Extension. The commonly reported 36-year tenure is rounded; his last-day announcement supplies the definitive departure date.
Why did Gregg Mayles leave Rare?
Mayles did not state a reason in his farewell. A July 2, 2025 report from VGC, citing anonymous studio sources, said he was expected to leave following the cancellation of Everwild. That was preliminary reporting about the anticipated timing, not a reason given by Mayles, and the later farewell confirmed his departure without explaining it. VGC’s July report also covered the project’s cancellation.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the heart-pounding adventure of a beloved entry in the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise, Into the Pit.
- Solve satisfying puzzles intertwined with an adrenaline-fueled story.
- Immerse yourself in a narrative experience where you try to save your friends, your family, and your own life.
- Uncover secrets that span decades and discover different endings, as you escape the clutches of the animatronic creatures wreaking havoc across time.
- Includes a download code for the official game soundtrack.
What games did Gregg Mayles work on?
VGC estimated that Mayles had credits on nearly 30 games during his Rare career. His selected credits span several eras of the studio:
- Battletoads and Donkey Kong Country
- Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie
- Grabbed by the Ghoulies, Viva Piñata and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
- Kinect Sports, Sea of Thieves and Everwild
His role differed across projects: he was a designer on many games, Banjo-Kazooie was his first director credit, he served as creative director on Sea of Thieves, and he directed Everwild. This range is why describing him as the director of every game on the list would be inaccurate. Time Extension notes that Banjo-Kazooie was released for Nintendo 64. Its career summary and VGC’s report identify selected credits and roles.
Rank #2
What was Mayles’s contribution to Sea of Thieves?
Mayles was creative director on Sea of Thieves, but the game was a team effort, not a solo creation. Xbox’s 2023 retrospective describes early design discussions involving Mayles and colleagues, with the project’s guiding idea framed as player freedom and “Players Creating Stories Together.” It also traces the concept to broader team discussions about what pirate crews and player-defined goals could make possible. Xbox Wire’s retrospective provides that development context.
Rare’s current public description presents Sea of Thieves as an evolving shared-world pirate adventure. That description does not announce a leadership change or a roadmap update connected to Mayles’s departure. Rare’s About page reflects the studio’s public framing.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny is a vibrant, universe-spanning mashup that brings iconic Nickelodeon heroes into a world of fantasy-style tropes and real-time RPG action. Roll the dice and dive into a wild, action-packed adventure with SpongeBob and more Nickelodeon characters! Get ready for epic battles, dynamic environments, and recognizable character moments, all with an engaging gameplay experience for players of all ages.
- Slash, cast spells, and strategize your way through fast-paced, fluid combat. Master each character’s unique style and time your combos to perfection.
- Face off against iconic enemies with intense boss battles - each fight offering unique mechanics and surprises—leading up to an unforgettably climactic final encounter.
- Team up with friends and build your party! Mix and match characters for the perfect balance of skills and chaos in your local squad.
- Unlock new powers, upgrade your weapons, and shape your heroes’ path through this awesome adventure.
What is Gregg Mayles doing now?
The available statements do not establish Mayles’s next employer, project or plans. Nor do the cited sources establish that his departure changed Rare’s plans for Sea of Thieves or Banjo-Kazooie. Until Mayles or Rare announces more, claims about his next move or the impact on those series would be speculation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Celebrate Rare’s 30th Anniversary with a jaw-dropping collection of 30 iconic games, lovingly presented for Xbox One.
- Enjoy over 60 minutes of behind-the-scenes interviews and footage
- 10,000 Gamerscore points available and 700plus hours of gameplay.
- Tackle snapshot challenges and enjoy exclusive bonus features.
Rank #4
- LIMITED COLLECTOR'S EDITION: Only 2,000 numbered copies worldwide!
- CLASSIC RETRO GAMES: Be excited for 10 groundbreaking classics from Taito’s arcade vault!
- LARGE SELECTION: Choose between a huge variety of genres and gameplay styles that all come with their own unique features and challenges. There is something for everyone!
- TIMELESS LOOK: with this collection you get to enjoy the origin of pixel graphics and art that will let you travel through time as you enjoy classic Platformers and Shooters from the 80’s!
- NEW GAME EXPERIENCE: Enjoy the classics for the first time on a modern console!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
