Everwild Cancellation Aftermath: Former Producer Lands Key Xbox Role

Former Everwild Executive Producer Louise O’Connor has secured a new senior position at Xbox. She is now the Chief of Staff for Xbox Game Studios. This move follows the recent cancellation of the highly anticipated game, Everwild.

O’Connor’s reassignment was first reported by VideoGamesChronicle. It is a significant internal shift within Microsoft’s gaming division.

O’Connor’s Long History with Rare and Everwild’s Challenges

Louise O’Connor spent over 25 years at Rare. Her career there included work on classic titles like Conker’s Bad Fur Day.

She also contributed to Viva Piñata and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Her leadership role on Everwind began after its announcement in 2019.

According to reports, the game faced significant development hurdles. Studio head Craig Duncan once admitted the team was still brainstorming gameplay ideas.

The project was reportedly rebooted in mid-2021. This led to years of silence and speculation about its status.

Microsoft’s Recent Strategy Shifts Impact Gaming Division

The cancellation of Everwild was part of a larger wave of cuts at Microsoft. The company has been realigning its gaming strategy and budget.

This has resulted in the closure of several studios and project cancellations. The decision to cancel Everwild came despite recent positive internal reviews.

Xbox head Phil Spencer had publicly praised the game’s progress earlier this year. The move highlights the volatile nature of big-budget game development today.

Fans who had been eagerly awaiting news are deeply disappointed. The game’s unique art style had generated considerable excitement.

The Everwild cancellation marks a somber note for Rare’s 40th anniversary. However, Louise O’Connor’s new role indicates her valued expertise remains central to Xbox’s future plans.

Thought you’d like to know

What was Everwild supposed to be about?

Official details were always scarce. The game was presented as a unique, natural world adventure. It featured stunning visuals and a focus on mystical, nature-based creatures.

Why was Everwild officially cancelled?

Microsoft has not provided a specific public reason. The cancellation was part of broader company-wide layoffs and a strategic shift. It suggests the project did not align with new budgetary or portfolio goals.

Who is the head of Xbox Game Studios now?

Craig Duncan is the current head of Xbox Game Studios. He was previously the studio head at Rare, where he worked directly with Louise O’Connor on Everwild.

Will Rare make a new game now?

Rare continues to operate and support its existing live service game, Sea of Thieves. The studio will undoubtedly begin work on a new project following the cancellation of Everwild.

What does a Chief of Staff at Xbox do?

The role typically involves overseeing critical operational projects. It focuses on strategic planning and facilitating communication between senior leadership and development teams.