Gregg Mayles, one of Rare’s longest-serving and most respected game designers, has announced his departure from the studio after more than 35 years with the company. Mayles confirmed the news on social media, sharing that he had completed his final day at Rare. “Thanks to everyone who played and enjoyed any of the games I helped create while I was there,” he wrote.

Today was my last day at @RareLtd. Thanks to everyone who played and enjoyed any of the games I helped create while I was there. Also thanks to all the people that worked on the games alongside me. It seemed fitting that I should say farewell with one final rhyme! pic.twitter.com/X54u8Bc2oI

— Gregg Mayles (@Ghoulyboy) October 14, 2025

True to his style, Mayles marked his exit with “one final rhyme,” a reference to the poetry that appeared throughout many of his games. Mayles joined Rare in its early days, with his first credited project being Solar Jetman in 1990. Over the following decades, he became one of the British studio’s most important creative voices, directing some of its biggest titles.

Gregg Mayles’ work includes the Donkey Kong Country series, the beloved Banjo-Kazooie games, Grabbed by the Ghoulies, and Viva Pinata. After Microsoft acquired Rare, Mayles continued contributing to major projects, including Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Kinect Sports, and the popular live service game Sea of Thieves, where he served as creative director. In total, Mayles worked on nearly 30 games during his time at the studio.

His most recent project, Everwild, was cancelled this summer during company-wide layoffs that affected Microsoft’s gaming division. Reports indicated that approximately 9,000 people were let go across various departments.