When did Nintendo buy Rare?

When Did Nintendo Buy Rare?

Nintendo, one of the most iconic names in the gaming industry, has a rich history that spans over several decades. One interesting chapter in this history is the acquisition of Rare, a renowned British game developer. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the timeline surrounding Nintendo’s purchase of Rare.

Timeline of Nintendo’s Acquisition

Nintendo acquired Rare in two stages. The first stage was in 1994, when Nintendo bought 25% of Rare’s shares for an undisclosed amount. At the time, Nintendo was impressed by Rare’s progress with the SGI systems, which showcased incredible 3D graphics capabilities. This initial buy-in marked the beginning of Nintendo’s partnership with Rare.

The Journey to 100% Acquisition

Two years later, in 1996, Nintendo increased its stake to 49%. The partnership saw Rare develop several successful games, including GoldenEye 007 (1997) and Banjo-Kazooie (1998). The success of these titles further solidified Nintendo’s interest in buying out the remaining shares.

After several years of negotiations, Nintendo agreed to purchase the remaining 51% stake in Rare for $350 million in 2002. This concluded the acquisition process, making Rare an official subsidiary of Nintendo.

Conclusion

Nintendo’s acquisition of Rare transformed the gaming landscape, bringing legendary titles like Perfect Dark, Donkey Kong 64, and Killer Instinct to the market. The deal not only expanded Nintendo’s portfolio of games but also introduced Rare to the world of console gaming, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Significance

Nintendo’s acquisition of Rare served as a strategic move to strengthen their position in the gaming market. The partnership delivered numerous critically acclaimed titles that continue to influence the gaming industry today.

With this acquisition, Nintendo demonstrated their commitment to fostering creative partnerships with experienced game developers, leading to the creation of enduring franchises and characters.

To learn more about Rare’s history before the acquisition, let’s explore some other interesting facts:

• Rare was founded in 1985 by David Wise, Tim Stamper, Chris Stamper, and Mark Betteridge.
• GoldenEye 007, released in 1997, is widely credited as one of the most influential first-person shooters in gaming history.
• Banjo-Kazooie, another Rare classic, won numerous Game of the Year awards in 1998.

Rare Today

So, what happened to Rare after the acquisition?

In 2002, Rare developed Star Fox Adventures for the Nintendo GameCube, marking its final game under the Nintendo umbrella.

A few years later, in 2011, Microsoft acquired Rare once again, this time as part of their Xbox division. Under Microsoft’s stewardship, Rare has continued to develop Killer Instinct, Sea of Thieves, and other titles.

As we come to the end of this article, it is clear that Nintendo’s acquisition of Rare is a significant chapter in the history of both companies. The partnership resulted in critically acclaimed games that continue to evoke nostalgia and inspire new generations of gamers.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re a gamer, industry enthusiast, or simply interested in the storied history of Nintendo and Rare, this article has provided a comprehensive overview of When Did Nintendo Buy Rare? The acquisition played a pivotal role in shaping the gaming landscape, and its impacts continue to be felt today.

References

• "Rare – A Brief History" by Paul Davies (Gamasutra)
• "Nintendo’s Deal for Rare" by GameSpot (2002)
• "Rare Officially Joins Microsoft Games Studio" by IGN (2001)