Does Xbox Still Own Rare?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. In 2002, Microsoft acquired Rare, a renowned British video game developer, for $375 million. Since then, Rare has been a subsidiary of Microsoft, focusing on developing games exclusively for the Xbox family of consoles.
History of Rare
Rare was founded in 1985 by Tim and Chris Stamper, and the company quickly gained a reputation for creating innovative and engaging games. In the 1990s, Rare developed several iconic titles, including GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, and Perfect Dark. These games were critically acclaimed and commercially successful, cementing Rare’s status as a leading developer in the industry.
Acquisition by Microsoft
In 2002, Microsoft acquired Rare, marking a significant shift in the company’s history. The acquisition allowed Rare to focus on developing games for the Xbox console, which was launched in 2001. Under Microsoft’s ownership, Rare continued to develop games, including Grabbed by the Ghoulies, Kameo, and Viva Piñata.
Current Status
Today, Rare is still a subsidiary of Microsoft, and the company continues to develop games exclusively for the Xbox family of consoles. Rare’s most recent title, Sea of Thieves, was released in 2018 and has received critical acclaim. The company is also working on Everwild, an upcoming action-adventure game that is expected to be released in the near future.
Key Points
- Rare was acquired by Microsoft in 2002 for $375 million.
- Rare has been a subsidiary of Microsoft since then, focusing on developing games exclusively for the Xbox family of consoles.
- The company has developed several iconic titles, including GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, and Perfect Dark.
- Rare is currently working on Everwild, an upcoming action-adventure game.
- The company is still a subsidiary of Microsoft and is expected to continue developing games for the Xbox family of consoles.
Table: Rare’s Games
| Game | Release Year | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| GoldenEye 007 | 1997 | Nintendo 64 |
| Banjo-Kazooie | 1998 | Nintendo 64 |
| Perfect Dark | 2000 | Nintendo 64 |
| Grabbed by the Ghoulies | 2003 | Xbox |
| Kameo | 2005 | Xbox |
| Viva Piñata | 2006 | Xbox 360 |
| Sea of Thieves | 2018 | Xbox One, PC |
| Everwild | TBA | Xbox Series X/S, PC |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Xbox still owns Rare, and the company has been a subsidiary of Microsoft since 2002. Rare has a rich history of developing innovative and engaging games, and the company continues to do so today. With a focus on developing games exclusively for the Xbox family of consoles, Rare is an important part of Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem.