On October 14, 2025, Mayles announced on social media that he had completed his last day at the company, where he created some of Rare's most memorable games.
"Today was my last day at Rare. Thank you to everyone who has played and enjoyed the games I've worked on. And thank you to everyone who has created them with me."
The developer accompanied the post with a "last rhyme" — a reference to the poems that were often found in his projects.
Mayles joined Rare as one of the first designers. His debut was Solar Jetman (1990). Later, he became the author of key studio games: Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, Grabbed by the Ghoulies, and Viva Piñata.
After Rare's transition under Microsoft, Mayles led Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Kinect Sports, and served as creative director for Sea of Thieves. In total, he participated in the creation of almost 30 games.
His latest project, Everwild, was canceled this summer amid massive layoffs affecting approximately 9,000 company employees.