Ah, Rare. Can you believe it’s been 40 years? I mean, talk about a wild ride! Founded on August 4, 1985, this British game developer has been all over: creating gems like Donkey Kong Country and Sea of Thieves with Nintendo and Xbox. But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. There’s quite a story brewing behind the scenes.
So, they hit 40 and guess what? Rare teamed up with 8BitDo. Made this super cool limited-edition wireless Xbox controller with all those little game icon silhouettes on it. Nostalgia central! But, and here’s the kicker, the announcement kinda got lost in the shuffle of some messy Xbox drama. I mean, classic timing, right?
Did you hear about the Xbox and Rare rumbles? It’s been a bit rough. Since 2023, Xbox and Microsoft went on a layoff spree, despite saying they were financially “stable.” The numbers are staggering — 10,000 in 2023, then more trickling layoffs through 2025. And even game devs weren’t safe. Some big hitters like Turn 10 Studios and King felt the squeeze. I’m just like: what is even happening?
Phil Spencer and crew say it was to trim the fat or something. But with tons of gamers playing more than ever, the whole thing seems—what’s the word—bizarre?
Oh, and games got canned too, sadly. Projects that were years in the making just… poof. Perfect Dark? Gone. And what about Rare’s Everwild! Ugh, heartbreak. Even closed down The Initiative. Yikes.
Not to get sidetracked, but Everwild, now that was something. Started in 2014, went MIA for a bit, then popped up in 2019. It was supposed to be this magical new Sims-like world, or so they tried to sell it. But we, the public, were left clutching at straws. Fast forward, it was supposed to drop in 2024, but… sigh. I’m still stuck on those cinematic trailers. Beautifully cryptic, if nothing else.
Even with things looking up in 2024, the optimism kinda got squashed. Anyway, Matt Booty spins it as, “shifting priorities.” Industry changes and whatnot. But, seriously, what’s Rare up to after this?
To top it all, Gregg Mayles, one of Rare’s legendary game designers, decided to peace out. Been there since he was 18! Imagine that. From Banjo-Kazooie to Viva Piñata, he’s literally shaped a slice of gaming history. What’s Rare supposed to do without him?
All this drama just makes you feel bittersweet about that 40th celebration. Sure, they’ve got a plaque at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, a little nod to history. But the future? Who knows? Guess we’re all just along for the ride.
