Mr Viral
Including big departures at Rare and ZeniMax Online Studios
by Fraser Gilbert Yesterday, 10:25pm
Image: Matt Prior, Zenimax Online StudiosThe bad news about today’s Xbox layoffs isn’t over just yet, as some major names at multiple Xbox studios are said to be leaving their positions – either coincidentally or as a result of what we’ve been hearing all afternoon.
Firstly, Zenimax Online Studios president Matt Frior is departing after 18 years of leading the company. Frior didn’t provide a reason in his statement today, but an unannounced MMORPG at the studio was cancelled a few hours ago.
“After more than 18 years leading ZeniMax Online Studios, I’ll be stepping away later this month. The Studio and The Elder Scrolls Online will be in great hands under the direction of new Studio Head, Jo Burba along with Executive Producer, Susan Kath and Game Director, Rich Lambert. Together, this leadership team has spearheaded many of ESO’s biggest ideas and expansions and will continue to make this game something we’re all proud of. While I won’t be working on the game anymore, I will be cheering you on and adding to the thousands of hours I’ve already spent in-game.”
Beyond this, VGC is reporting via “sources” that two of the most influential people at Rare are departing that studio, with those being Gregg Mayles and Louise O’Connor. Mayles has been at Rare for over 35 years and had a major role in helming Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie, while he’s more recently worked on Sea Of Thieves and Everwild.
Meanwhile, Louise O’Connor was the executive producer of Everwild and has worked on the likes of Conker’s Bad Fur Day, Viva Pinata, Kameo: Elements of Power and others.
These departures seem to be connected to the cancellation of Everwild, which was announced earlier today.
There’s a chance we’ll be hearing about more industry veterans leaving various Xbox studios over the coming hours and days, but let’s hope not, eh? As usual, we’re sending our best wishes to those affected by today’s news.
[source x.com, via videogameschronicle.com]
Fraser is the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he spends his time reporting on the biggest stories in the world of Xbox and beyond.
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