Its official,microsoft & rare

[Sub-Z]

 " REDMOND, Wash. - Sept. 24, 2002 - Microsoft Corp. today announced it has purchased UK-based Rare Ltd., one of the world's leading video game developers, further demonstrating Microsoft's commitment to providing the most innovative interactive experiences available on its Xbox™ video game system. Rare has been the mastermind behind some of the most popular video games in history, including such global multimillion sellers as "GoldenEye 007," "Perfect Dark," "Banjo-Kazooie" and "Donkey Kong 64." Under terms of the $375 million cash transaction, Rare will today begin creating exclusive console gaming blockbusters for Xbox.

  In a statement made from Seville, Spain, where the announcement was made to a live and worldwide audience during the company's annual X02 event, Chris Stamper, chairman and technical director of Rare, said, "Our mission at Rare has always been to make the industry's best games for the widest possible audience. Teaming with Microsoft gives us the best opportunity to accomplish this goal. Microsoft's dedication and commitment to game creators, research and development, and to gaming innovation made them the obvious partner to take Rare into the future."

  "We've always insisted on pushing the envelope when it comes to creativity," added Tim Stamper, co-founder and creative director of Rare. "And now we get the chance to create for Xbox."

  Rare co-founders Chris and Tim Stamper and their talented team of game developers and designers will continue to work out of Rare in Warwickshire, England. Rare was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the Stamper brothers and Joel Hochberg, now Rare president.

  "This partnership significantly broadens our already outstanding portfolio of games that will be available for Xbox. And it also broadens our reach internationally as gamers around the world have demonstrated their fanaticism for what Rare consistently produces," said Robbie Bach, Chief Xbox Officer at Microsoft.

  "The last time I was this excited was the first time I picked up a controller and played a game from Rare," said Ed Fries, vice president of Xbox Game Content at Microsoft. "As a gamer, you could hardly wait until Rare's next title was announced. You didn't know what genre it would be, but it didn't matter because you knew you were going to love it."

  Rare grabbed the attention of the video game world in 1994 with its creation of "Donkey Kong Country." Selling more than 8 million copies, "DKC" went on to become the biggest-selling 16-bit title in history.

  Rare became one of the premiere developers in the world, with sales averaging 1.4 million units per title and nearly 90 million games sold since the company was founded. Five of the top 20 all-time-best-selling N64 titles were developed by Rare, including "GoldenEye 007," the second-best-selling game in North America, with worldwide sales topping 8 million.

  With today's announcement, Rare becomes the latest member of a star-studded lineup at Microsoft Game Studios, joining such prestigious worldwide developers as Bungie Studios, the masterminds behind the smash hit "Halo™," named Game of the Year by Electronic Gaming Monthly. Rare's first creation for Xbox, "Kameo," is expected to reach store shelves next spring. Also under development is the highly anticipated sequel to "Perfect Dark." The company is expecting to develop at least five games over the next two years in a variety of genres, including racing, shooters and platformers."

http://www.rareware.com/html/release.html

[Black_Smoke]

Dope!!!

perfect dark easily if not the then one of the best n64 games

cant wait!

[truemaster]

Perfect Dark with XBOX Live features!!      

[Jome]

damn, they just snatched the best games developer out there.
Perfect Dark was classic.
The sequel could possibly make me buy a X-Box only to play PD.

[Big BpG]

I dont think rare is what they used to be... but starfox is dope.... and they did that game...

-Big BpG

[Matty_C]

This is great news for MS, hopefully they can capitalize on some name recognition. It's a great move, and shows that MS is indeed commited to the Xbox,  

[Woodrow]

It's a great move

I'm not too sure if it's a good move or not... Im leaning twards not. What was the last REAL blockbuster Rare had out?

Plus the 2 founders are leaving the company at the end of the year...

[Jome]

I dont think rare is what they used to be... but starfox is dope.... and they did that game...

-Big BpG

LoL, what you mean used to be?
They +rare+ly release a game, but when they do, it's usual classic and often trendsetting.

[Sub-Z]

well,starfox adventures for game cube just came out a few days ago and rare developed that game,and i have heard nothing but great things about it

stop making excuses people lol,if it was sony that bought em you wouldnt  say nething like i dunno if its a good move or not

[truemaster]

well,starfox adventures for game cube just came out a few days ago and rare developed that game,and i have heard nothing but great things about it

stop making excuses people lol,if it was sony that bought em you wouldnt  say nething like i dunno if its a good move or not

Shit if it was Sony that bought RARE mothafuckas in here would be wetting their beds from excitement. I give Microsoft mad props on this RARE pick up, STAR FOX for the CUBE is   Perfect Dark, Conker, and Banjoe will be classic on XBOX just like they were for the N64.

[Jome]

yea, I'd wish Sony picked them up instead.
Perfect Dark sequel is gonna be  

[UPINSMOKETOUR]

FUCK i have been a rare/nintendo fan since i was a littel kid but now FUCK microsoft i hate those bastards only buy buy all the time


GTA VC PS2 OUT 29OCT(rest of the world and)8Now(NORWAY)

[Sub-Z]

oh but it was ok for nintendo to monopolize the video game industry in the 80's/early 90's it was ok for sony to  buy stock square, it was ok for nintendo to try to bu yout rare completely,but its not ok for microsoft to try to get a foothold in the industry by doing what the other 2 competitors have done/are doing ,its called business you idiot