Microsoft commemorates Rare's 40th anniversary with a limited edition Xbox controller and a special Sea of Thieves virtual hat, amidst the backdrop of significant studio layoffs and the cancellation of Everwild. The new blue and gold controller, designed in collaboration with 8BitDo, showcases Rare's branding and is priced at $89.99. Despite recent upheavals, Rare is focusing on Sea of Thieves, its flagship live-service pirate game, developed since 2018. The studio has plans for enhancing the game through a multi-year vision, including optional paid subscriptions set for 2026 to unlock custom servers.

What is Rare's focus after the cancellation of Everwild?

Following the cancellation of Everwild, Rare is increasing its commitment to Sea of Thieves, aiming to expand the game's scope significantly beyond its usual updates. The studio has a multi-year plan in place to enhance player experience, including the introduction of optional paid subscription services.

Rare, founded in 1985, is known for its classic games in collaboration with Nintendo, including titles like Donkey Kong and GoldenEye 007. Over the decades, the studio has gained a strong reputation for innovative game design and storytelling, making its recent challenges particularly significant for the gaming community.