Did Xbox Buy Rare?
Microsoft’s acquisition of Rare, a renowned British video game developer, is a significant event in the gaming industry. The question on everyone’s mind is: Did Xbox buy Rare? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Rare, its acquisition by Microsoft, and what it means for the gaming community.
The Early Days of Rare
Rare, founded in 1985 by Tim and Chris Stamper, was a small game development studio that quickly gained recognition for its innovative and engaging games. The studio’s early success was marked by titles such as R.C. Pro-Am and Wizards & Warriors. These games showcased Rare’s ability to create unique and challenging gameplay experiences.
Nintendo’s Partnership
In 1989, Rare entered into a partnership with Nintendo, which would prove to be a crucial turning point in the studio’s history. Rare developed several games for Nintendo’s consoles, including Donkey Kong Country, which became a massive hit. The partnership lasted for over a decade, during which Rare developed several iconic titles, including GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and Banjo-Kazooie.
The Sale to Microsoft
In 2002, Nintendo sold Rare to Microsoft for $375 million (approximately $548 million in 2021). The acquisition marked a significant shift in Rare’s focus, as the studio began to develop games exclusively for Microsoft’s Xbox console. This decision was seen as a strategic move by Microsoft to expand its gaming portfolio and increase its competitiveness in the market.
Why Did Nintendo Sell Rare?
There are several reasons why Nintendo decided to sell Rare to Microsoft. One of the primary reasons was that Nintendo was no longer interested in maintaining a second-party developer. Second-party developers are independent studios that develop games for a specific platform, in this case, Nintendo. By selling Rare, Nintendo was able to focus on its core business and reduce its financial risks.
What Did Microsoft Get from Rare?
Microsoft acquired Rare’s game development studios, intellectual property, and a team of experienced developers. The acquisition gave Microsoft access to Rare’s existing game franchises, including Donkey Kong Country and GoldenEye 007. Microsoft also gained a strong development team with a wealth of experience in creating games for Nintendo consoles.
What Happened to Rare After the Acquisition?
After the acquisition, Rare continued to develop games for Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles. The studio’s first title under Microsoft’s ownership was Grabbed by the Ghoulies, a third-person shooter that received mixed reviews. Rare continued to develop games, including Kameo: Elements of Power and Perfect Dark Zero, but the studio’s output was not as consistent as it was during its time with Nintendo.
Everwild: The Next Rare Game
In recent years, Rare has been working on a new game titled Everwild, an action-adventure game set in a mystical world. The game is expected to be released for Windows and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Everwild marks a new direction for Rare, as the studio is shifting its focus towards more experimental and innovative game designs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Xbox did indeed buy Rare, a renowned game development studio, from Nintendo in 2002. The acquisition marked a significant shift in Rare’s focus, as the studio began to develop games exclusively for Microsoft’s Xbox console. Rare’s history with Nintendo is a testament to the studio’s ability to create innovative and engaging games, and its future with Microsoft holds much promise.
Key Takeaways:
• Rare was acquired by Microsoft from Nintendo in 2002 for $375 million.
• The acquisition marked a shift in Rare’s focus towards developing games exclusively for Xbox consoles.
• Rare’s game development studios, intellectual property, and team of experienced developers were acquired by Microsoft.
• Everwild is the next Rare game, an action-adventure title set in a mystical world.
Timeline:
• 1985: Rare is founded by Tim and Chris Stamper.
• 1989: Rare enters into a partnership with Nintendo.
• 2002: Nintendo sells Rare to Microsoft for $375 million.
• 2005: Rare releases its first title under Microsoft’s ownership, Grabbed by the Ghoulies.
• 2020: Rare announces Everwild, its next game, an action-adventure title set in a mystical world.
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