Console Tech → NIntendo fans, are u upsettting that.....

It's Official: Microsoft Buys Rare
24-SEP-02
All the speculation and rumors can finally be put to rest: Microsoft has officially purchased Rare Ltd., the U.K.-based studio responsible for some of Nintendo's biggest hits on the SNES and N64, including Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye, and Banjo-Kazooie. As of today, under terms of a $375 million cash transaction, Rare will begin creating console titles exclusively for the Xbox. This news comes after last week's announcement by Nintendo that they were selling off their shares in Rare for "very good business reasons," referring to the studio's reduced output (for whatever reason) as of late.
In a statement from the annual X02 event, Rare’s chairman and technical director Chris Stamper said, "We've always insisted on pushing the envelope when it comes to creativity, and now we get the chance to create for Xbox."

Rare is expected to develop at least five games over the next two years. The first game to be released for the Xbox will be Kameo (previously shown as a GameCube title), which is expected to hit shelves next spring; it will be followed by a sequel to Perfect Dark. No mention was made of Banjo-Kazooie or Conker, but both franchises are now under the Microsoft/Rare banner.

While this is great news for Xbox owners, it makes you wonder why Microsoft hasn’t made such notable purchases like this earlier, as the fruits of this collaboration (as well as any new possibilities) may come too late to save the Xbox. We'll keep our eyes closely on this one.

Do i have to buy a x box for KI3(Killer Instints)?

By the way, did i hear that rare is only hope to save X box? , LMAO it seems to me X box is almost dead?

I am a hardcore nintendo fan for years, I am not upsetting that nintendo sold off rare license to X box..

The reason is why did nt I upset? Because in last 5 years Rare games ****ing suck except Killer instint 1 and 2 that's it

Donkey kong is not a rare. Nintendo still own donkey kong series, Star Fox series, and Diddy kong racing. Because its orinigal Nintendo license before NIntendo and rare are becoming one ....

I don't think Xbox is almost dead, when xbox live comes out they will be on top. Rare did have a few good games perfect dark is one of them. It was one of the best FSP I played on a console (after halo) I know for a fact that perfect dark (even if the original was ported over) can beat halo out solely for the multiplayer aspect.
Were did you got that article from?

Are you kidding me? microsoft said Rare is only hope to save X box. thats what article said. I got it from gamepro.com

in the last 7 years thats where rare started working for nintendo 64 only, rare games were sucking, they made a lot of rares games for 7 years. Only three games were good which are Perfect Dark, KI, and KI2( its not as great as KI)

Name one beside Perfect Dark, KI, and KI2

Dont tell me about Donkey dong series , Star Fox Series, diggy dong racing. those games are orinigal Nintendo not rare games. the reason is why those games were rare license because NIntendo and rare were becoming ONE...... Now, nintendo sold off rare to Microsoft. And Microsoft cant making any donkey kong series, Star fox series, and some games that belongs to nintendo....
[text was edited by author 2002-09-25 04:42:58]

said by DefMATRIXens:

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Are you kidding me? microsoft said Rare is only hope to save X box. thats what article said. I got it from gamepro.com

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I really doubt Microsoft themselves would say it's their only hope. That would be very bad PR to come out and say that.

said by DefMATRIXens:

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Are you kidding me? microsoft said Rare is only hope to save X box. thats what article said.

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Show me where MS says this in the article...

On top of that I hardly consider Gamepro a reliable source for gaming info/news. The scores they rate for games are always skewed.

If anything, M$ said the purchase of Rare will broaden their appeal to younger gamers and expand their portfolio. I really think Nintendo has made a very bad "business" decision. Rare has always produced A+ titles for the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 and now they're cutting short exclusive 1st party support. Bad move.

I told you I said i got it from www.gamepro.com and click news and then click the title "MS gets rare" or something

here is it you asked for, »www.gamepro.com/index.ht ··· ge.shtml
[text was edited by author 2002-09-25 10:53:39]

[text was edited by author 2002-09-25 10:55:17]

said by j00k:

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On top of that I hardly consider Gamepro a reliable source for gaming info/news. The scores they rate for games are always skewed.

If anything, M$ said the purchase of Rare will broaden their appeal to younger gamers and expand their portfolio. I really think Nintendo has made a very bad "business" decision. Rare has always produced A+ titles for the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 and now they're cutting short exclusive 1st party support. Bad move.

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I totally agreed with you, i asked myself why is that nintendo selling off rare to microsoft? it got me thinking what is nintendo up to now?
something not right but it will be something like a big, great news for nintendo fans on anyday,and anytime... Dont u think?

Nintendo's probably up to something but I'm not going to speculate on that since there's nothing to work off of. All I know is Nintendo now only has themselves making exlusive titles for GC/GBA. Pretty much all big name software makers are going multi-platform. I don't care what others say about producing games for multi-platform is the way to go. In the end, it's the exclusive titles that sell the systems. Just look at Mario games and GTA3. They're both generate a lot of revenues for their respective consoles. It's either that or hope that the port the 3rd party company is making for your system is not the crappy one. Like the case with Max Payne released on both Xbox and PS2, PS2 owners got screwed big time.

I'm not upset. Even though Microsoft has Rare, Nintendo *supposedly* still kept all their franchises (goldeneye, KI, DK, etc.) and most of the people that made Goldeneye are apparently gone anyway. More like Nintendo was just unloading some unneeded labor onto someone with deeper pockets, as they got their own plans

said by breacker718:

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I don't think Xbox is almost dead, when xbox live comes out they will be on top.

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I think you smoking too much How do you figure they are going to be on top? Sony has sold 40 Million units compared to Xbox's 4 million. I think they are going to have to start selling the xbox at 4.95 to catch up to 40 million!

I'm not upset. I think Nintendo made a mistake, but Nintendo will still be successful without Rare. Maybe not as successful, but still successful. To me it's just another reason to own an XBox. Maybe not right away, but as soon as Rare releases some of their games such as Conker, Perfect Dark,.... a lot of fans especially fans with Gamecubes and not an XBox will most likely be turning their heads (there are exceptions) and looking at the XBox (not necessarily buying one), but looking.

Anyways with the exception of Goldeneye and Perfect Dark all the other RARE games where boring. Killer Instinct was a rip off. 40 hit combos WTF is that? Its only fun for about a day or 2.
[text was edited by author 2002-09-25 17:00:39]

said by skyjock41:

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said by breacker718:

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I don't think Xbox is almost dead, when xbox live comes out they will be on top.

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I think you smoking too much How do you figure they are going to be on top? Sony has sold 40 Million units compared to Xbox's 4 million. I think they are going to have to start selling the xbox at 4.95 to catch up to 40 million!

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hahaha so when the ps2 hard drive comes out u plan on paying another hundred dollars on it, thats a grand total of what $440 if you went and got ps2 when it came out, if not $340 (not counting the price for games and the posibility of isp's charging to use the ps2 online, AOL for 1). Financially I don't think is a smart move. Xbox with xbox live service $250 not counting the ps2 graphics can not compare to the xbox. You do the math and smoke a blunt while your at it maybe your graphics will look better:) Only time will tell.

If I were Nintendo and I were up to something it would be making SEGA exclusive. Thats the smartest move they can make.

said by breacker718:

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hahaha so when the ps2 hard drive comes out u plan on paying another hundred dollars on it, thats a grand total of what $440 if you went and got ps2 when it came out, if not $340 (not counting the price for games and the posibility of isp's charging to use the ps2 online, AOL for 1). Financially I don't think is a smart move. Xbox with xbox live service $250 not counting the ps2 graphics can not compare to the xbox. You do the math and smoke a blunt while your at it maybe your graphics will look better:) Only time will tell.

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Um ok. Harddrive=no need for it. I dont plan on turning my "video game console" into a web surfing machine. I have a computer that can do that. So minus your $140 off of my bill killer! Anyways graphics, harddrives, memory WHATEVER really dont matter in this discussion. Let me separate this for you so you can read it and understand it.

PS2 --------- how many units sold? ------- 40 million +

Xbox -------- how many units sold? ------- 4 million

Ill agree that xbox is better machine but as far as what you said "when xbox live comes out they will be on top." Thats a load of crap.

So basically what your saying is that on November 15th ... when xbox live launches.... that microsoft is going to sell 37 million xbox's to be on top? Wow..... i can see now why your not a marketing analyst!

Thats true I have a ps2 and i would never get a hard drive the only thing that would need a hard drive is FFIX and that takes 2 hours to install man sony screwed up on the online market.

said by breacker718:

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said by skyjock41:

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said by breacker718:

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I don't think Xbox is almost dead, when xbox live comes out they will be on top.

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I think you smoking too much How do you figure they are going to be on top? Sony has sold 40 Million units compared to Xbox's 4 million. I think they are going to have to start selling the xbox at 4.95 to catch up to 40 million!

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hahaha so when the ps2 hard drive comes out u plan on paying another hundred dollars on it, thats a grand total of what $440 if you went and got ps2 when it came out, if not $340 (not counting the price for games and the posibility of isp's charging to use the ps2 online, AOL for 1). Financially I don't think is a smart move. Xbox with xbox live service $250 not counting the ps2 graphics can not compare to the xbox. You do the math and smoke a blunt while your at it maybe your graphics will look better:) Only time will tell.

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YOu have no clue!!!!! X box is troubling.. but I dont have to explain to u all the way but just tell u a short story. X box was supposed to sell $499.99 dollars not $ 299.99 dollars. thats why microsoft took a hugh risk. the result is x box sold $13 million units which its really bad staratey, however Microsoft has 2 billions stock to protect x box for the next 2 years. Anyway, Ps2 hard drive is free if you subcribed a sony online for a year. Or ps2 hard drive costs $79.99 dollars. I didnt think its ripped off.. I dont think i needed hard drive unless some games i wanted that requires a hard drive and then I buy it.. Sony is doing a smart move not like x box...

said by skyjock41:

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said by breacker718:

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hahaha so when the ps2 hard drive comes out u plan on paying another hundred dollars on it, thats a grand total of what $440 if you went and got ps2 when it came out, if not $340 (not counting the price for games and the posibility of isp's charging to use the ps2 online, AOL for 1). Financially I don't think is a smart move. Xbox with xbox live service $250 not counting the ps2 graphics can not compare to the xbox. You do the math and smoke a blunt while your at it maybe your graphics will look better:) Only time will tell.

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Um ok. Harddrive=no need for it. I dont plan on turning my "video game console" into a web surfing machine. I have a computer that can do that. So minus your $140 off of my bill killer! Anyways graphics, harddrives, memory WHATEVER really dont matter in this discussion. Let me separate this for you so you can read it and understand it.

PS2 --------- how many units sold? ------- 40 million +

Xbox -------- how many units sold? ------- 4 million

Ill agree that xbox is better machine but as far as what you said "when xbox live comes out they will be on top." Thats a load of crap.

So basically what your saying is that on November 15th ... when xbox live launches.... that microsoft is going to sell 37 million xbox's to be on top? Wow..... i can see now why your not a marketing analyst!

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Let me clarify so you can understand better.
1. Sony haves the upper hand for now that’s obvious
2. Sony will not keep that advantage, why? Because Sony screwed up there online plans, plane and simple time will tell.
3. No Xbox will not sell 37 million units on Nov. 15 (I did not imply it either) "Time Will Tell"
4. Where do you think the future of console games is headed? Were else online. You can amp all the graphics, say who haves better games but its no fun playing a good game by yourself.
5. Sony had a distinct advantage for 1 reason Ps2 came out first
6. Sony plans on having the PS3 launched by 2005, do you honestly think the ps2 can last that long with such a difficult development method(which is also expensive for developers)and no built in online play. The only obvious thing is a add on or release the ps3 sooner. By then Microsoft will have implemented there online play system completely.Already developers are starting to notice how much more cheaper and easier its is to develop for Xbox, What makes you think they will stay with Ps2 if there is a much higher profit margin on the Xbox.

quote
"Sony is doing a smart move not like x box"
what Smart move is Sony doing? What wrong move is Microsoft doing?

[text was edited by author 2002-09-26 02:33:44]

[text was edited by author 2002-09-26 02:49:49]

A. Let me clarify so you can understand better.
B.Let me tell you So you can understand better than yours

1A. Sony haves the upper hand for now that’s obvious
1B Of course, Playstation 2 is the best.

2A. Sony will not keep that advantage, why? Because Sony screwed up there online plans, plane and simple time will tell.
2B Nice try! Sony didnt screw up the online plans. NO fee to play online on first and third party at least first year except apply fee to rpg online games.

3a. No Xbox will not sell 37 million units on Nov. 15 (I did not imply it either) "Time Will Tell"
3B TIme will not tell, lmao Everyone including X box fans know X box is troubling Even Microsoft said so not only that but microsoft said Rare is only thier hope to save x box, it should be funny.

4A. Where do you think the future of console games is headed? Were else online. You can amp all the graphics, say who haves better games but its no fun playing a good game by yourself.
4B Who cares about the powerful systems but games are important to me whether better graphics or worst graphics
Microsoft promised that a lot of games more than sony but I only see those games microsoft promised are crapping most of those games except HALO only didnt make 20 top selling video games every month. www.gamepro.com, click top video game selling every month, in case u dont beleive me.

5A. Sony had a distinct advantage for 1 reason Ps2 came out first
5B. I can tell that youre lousy for math. Let me tell you!!
Sony started coming out exactly 2 years ago compared a x box coming out a year ago
Ps2 sold 44 million units within 2 years 3 months compared to X box sold 11 million units within 1 year 4 months on oct. AVG. Ps2 sold 22 millions units per year compared to x box sold 11 million units per year. Sony is successful in japan, Europe, and USA but X box is unsuccessful in Japan, and Europe only.

6A Sony plans on having the PS3 launched by 2005, do you honestly think the ps2 can last that long with such a difficult development method(which is also expensive for developers)and no built in online play. The only obvious thing is a add on or release the ps3 sooner. By then Microsoft will have implemented there online play system completely.Already developers are starting to notice how much more cheaper and easier its is to develop for Xbox, What makes you think they will stay with Ps2 if there is a much higher profit margin on the Xbox.
6B. you're dumbass than I thought you were. the reason ps3 launchd in 2005 because there is a new techlolgoy called "CELL". I dont have to explain the rest of it. Do me a favor? do research yourself. Xbox 2 is launching in 2006 too..

quote
"Sony is doing a smart move not like x box"
what Smart move is Sony doing? What wrong move is Microsoft doing?

Thats simple , Opitions is better than monopogize.

I stopped reading right after I saw gamepro thats were you get your info. Show me were Microsoft said that ("Even Microsoft said so not only that but Microsoft said Rare is only their hope to save x box") Ignorance is bliss isn't it.

said by breacker718:

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I stopped reading right after I saw gamepro thats were you get your info. Show me were Microsoft said that ("Even Microsoft said so not only that but Microsoft said Rare is only their hope to save x box") Ignorance is bliss isn't it.

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According to gamepro article,

While this is great news for Xbox owners, it makes you wonder why Microsoft hasn’t made such notable purchases like this earlier, as the fruits of this collaboration (as well as any new possibilities) may come too late to save the Xbox. We'll keep our eyes closely on this one.

May come too late to save the x box. it sounds what I said " microsoft said rare is only thier hope to save the X box. Same diffenert!!!!

Do you understand what you read, its the writers opinion not what Microsoft said. If Microsoft would have said it it would be in quotation marks.

I dont want to agure with you, I like the x box because there are good games. I am sorry if I misunderstooded or misinform you...

lol its all good:) just felt like having some fun
[text was edited by author 2002-09-26 23:22:12]

said by DefMATRIXens:

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6B. you're dumbass than I thought you were. the reason ps3 launchd in 2005 because there is a new techlolgoy called "CELL". I dont have to explain the rest of it. Do me a favor? do research yourself. Xbox 2 is launching in 2006 too..
Thats simple , Opitions is better than monopogize.

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Humm, ironic. You should keep on fighting this fight, you're doing a good job. Very articulate. Keep it up.

:rollseyes:

Can someone run a spell check on this thread? I think I missed half of what is being said. !

:lol:, Well, I Know i have troubling with my spelling words. I wish i have a spelling check program. Not only that but, I think I have lousy on my grammars too. Have you noticed?

Well, if you think Nintendo retained the rights to some of the best Rare game, think again. Nintendo can only claim what is their intellectual property, which is Donkey/Diddy Kong, Mario, and StarFox.

The Killer Instinct series (which began developement before the N64/Ultra 64 hardware existed under the title "Brute Force"), Perfect Dark, and the rest belong to Rare as those are their original works and were merely licensed to Nintendo for the duration of their business relationship.

So, as a result of this sale, Nintendo keeps the rights to their IP and so does Rare, therefore Killer Instinct, Perfect Dark, etc. remains Rare's property.

But...don't expect a Killer Instinct 3 on the X-Box. It would take a miracle as Rare seems to want us gamers to forget about Killer Instinct all together (they've been careful not to mention it in their most recent press releases). True, there does remain some small, tiny, possibilty that it could happen since Ken Lobb is a Microsoft employee (Ken Lobb and Howard Lincoln, during their tenures at Nintendo, saw the development of "Brute Force" and wanted it passionately - in fact, I believe Ken Lobb was the person that suggested changing the game's name to "Killer Instinct") and his role within Microsoft is pretty much the same as it was while he was with Nintendo. Despite that, I don't think Ken will sucessfully persuade Rare to produce a third "Killer Instinct" installment since most of talent responsible for it are now with Free Radical. In other words, Rare lack the talent to pull off another Killer Instinct and they know it. That's why we've haven't sees another KI game in the past 8 years and they pretty much *sigh* and get all snide whenever KI is brought up.

They are idiots. Game companies need a balance of their legacy stuff to complement their original creations. That's why Capcom, Sega, and Nintendo continue to milk Mega Man, Sonic, and Mario respectively. It keeps people coming back for more in the same way Styx continues to sell out concerts in light of the fact that their more recent studio CDs don't sell as good, hardly get airplay, and receive very little promotion. If Rare would simply ressurect "Killer Instinct" and "Battletoads" to share the spotlight along side Banjo, Conker, Joanna Dark, and Kameo - they could have the gaming market by the short hairs and that $375 Million "long-term" investment could start paying off immediately in stead of years down the road.

Speaking of which, the way I understand it, Microsoft bought the entire company for that $375 Million, not just a mere 49% stake. Doesn't make sense because if that were the case, Rare wouldn't get any money - Nintendo would. Rare must have been in a financial decline and needed operating capital (that might explain their RAREity of their titles lately).

Also, I heard many times that the Stamper Bros. have stated their desires to sell Rare and leave the software business, so with that $375 Million price tag, MS aquires Rare outright and the Stampers will most likely remain as advisors. However, the Stampers most likely reserved the right to buy back back the company if things ever do go south with Microsoft (those Stampers aren't totally stupid).

I agreed with you!!! your comment is deep. How do u know for sure? are u working for rare company or something? It's sounded like you speaking from experiences?
[text was edited by author 2002-09-27 11:10:03]