Kameo 2 canned by Microsoft

Rare's secretly in-the-works Kameo sequel is just one casualty of a Microsoft project cull at the studio, to make way for more Natal development, CVG has learned.

Earlier this year the UK developer underwent a "company-wide restructure" to implement a "new approach" to its in-development projects, Microsoft revealed.

[Myst]

this about sums it up.

[Kimbo Slice]

microsoft putting there eggs in one basket again but results end in embarrassment, judgin by the wii's decline motion gaming is what we all knew it was.. a FAD/GIMMICK, and sony and microsoft are jumping on this bandwagon way too late

[leila01]

That Natal game better be fvcking good, or else...

[badz149]

I was excited about Kameo but maybe at that time because it looked shinier than other games on PS2. it was an OK game but have potential if done right! for those who is expecting the next game, surely this is as bummer!

[Anon1974]

Rare's a great studio overall. It's sad to see them hijacked in Microsoft's attempt to grab some of Nintendo's casuals.

If Natal was so promising, they wouldn't be forcing studios to work on it, the studios would be lining up to make games for it.

[Sarcasm]

Of course it's canned, they're saving up money in their piggy banks to buy GTA V DLC.

[Godmars290]

Rare was a great studio. Until MS got involved. This is just another example.

Not that they couldn't have a Kameo Natal title.

[Sitdown]

That's right...blame it on Microsoft, but ask yourself this....why did Nintendo let Rare go so easily? Perhaps they saw the signs of a declining Rare, with that said...Rare has not necessarily been a bad company this generation....and if they truly have canned Kameo 2, then that is definitely a disappointment for me.

[vhero]

Hahaha quality they can a potentially great game for an accessory that probably wont even do much for the console well done MS. They are really putting there eggs in 1 basket here.

[likedamaster]

Unfortunate... Kameo:EOP was such a great game.

[BRG9000]

that there must have been issues with the development of Kameo 2. If it was coming along on schedule and looking like a solid title, they would not just can it. Most likely there were problems with the timeline or direction that played into the decision that they would rather put the resources into Natal.

[4Sh0w]

"Our source clarified that disappointing sales of the 360 launch game - and not just the march towards Natal - also played a factor in its cancellation."

Although it didn't have any replay value for me, I actually liked Kameo, but I remember alot of folks saying they didn't like it much, now that Kameo2 is canned, its "OMG why did microsoft do that?", well maybe because Rare can do something bettter with Natal.

[starvinbull]

Just highlights the difference between Sony and M$.

M$ have tens if not hundreds of millions for third party devs but nothing for their own.

Sony have tens if not hundreds of millions for their own devs but nothing for third party devs.

There are advantages to both approaches but when you see a successful developer being starved of cash it makes you wonder.

Let Rare make whatever they want I say, otherwise why buy them out in the first place?

[Johnny Rotten]

too bad, kameo could be a good series. I'd by kameo over natal any day.

[SL1M DADDY]

I actually enjoyed the first Kameo. I would have been in for a second game of the series. I enjoy platform games and now it would seem that the king in platformers is Ratchet & Clank. MS had a decent competitor in Kameo and now they don't. Bummer.

[Dark_Vendetta]

I liked Kameo too. So FU MS

[bigrudowsky]

yup i was looking forward to it as well.

[volcane]

Shame, I enjoyed Kameo.

[RealityCheck]

I agree, it was a good entry title. Would have been interesting to see them expand on that with a sequel.

[krisq]

Rare guys lost their touch :/

[Redempteur]

NOt really they were just made too things that aren't games ... like avatars ...

Sure you'll be able to see the bottom of a shoe 's avatar with natal ..but i think i'll rather see another rare game ....

[El_Colombiano]

No they didn't lose it, just limited by M$

[Redempteur]

sorry i didnot see the banjoo vibe in nuts and bolts ...

[thereapersson]

The first Kameo was a decent game! I would have liked to see the direction they would have taken with the sequel, tbh...

[RealityCheck]

That's funny we said almost the same thing at the same time (see above).

I like diversity and Kameo was one of the rare platformer this generation.

[thereapersson]

Hah, I just noticed that.

And lol @ your unintended pun

[Halo3 MLG Pro]

The first one was good but they should cancel everything and work on Killer Instinct.

[Troll_Police]

I agree that they should work on Killer Instinct 3 but I'm also afraid that Rare would only screw it up like they did with Perfect Dark Zero.

[Silly gameAr]

I would love to see a new Killer Instinct.

[Sitdown]

Killer Instinct could not and would not ever live up to the hype and nostalgia...unless they go the SFIV route, but even then that would be a stretch I thought there were Easter Eggs hinting at a Killer Instinct release...anyhoo, I would rather have Kameo 2, there is so much potential in that series, and the 360 lacks Ratchet/Jak type titles.

[Dick Jones]

The SF D-pad's not being wireless is pathetic in this generation. Will not buy.

[Fozzy25]

I think we know what this all means, Natal is the future for the X360.

[militant07]

thats not bad news for me, not at all.

i didnt like Kameo,

i think they should make more games same as BK nuts & bolts or Viva Pinata, they are so addictive,simple and fun.

[DARK WITNESS]

while I didn't like Kameo personally and I never played it...

I don't think this is good news at all. It shows a trend, think about it this way. At least we are hearing about this one, How many other hardcore games ( not that Kameo was hardcore per-say ) have been canned because of Natal that we will never know about?

I like the 360 and I am still a fan of it, but so far I am in no way, shape or form, impressed or convinced by natal.

Until I see some real hardcore stuff running on it, all I see it as is MS trying to take a knife to Nintendo's very BIG cake to steal a slice..... at the expense of the better 360 games which the system so far has become known for.

I don't like it, but will have to see what they do instead. If it's some rubish motion mario cart like game... well..

[militant07]

i mean i hope they canned it to work on muc better game, whish fun, inovative ,addective and fun

[madpuppy]

games...who needs 'em...

blah...

[Droid Control]

Seriously. The first game was mediocre at best.

[Chubear]

Dont' tell that to the 360 base. They view it as one of their AAA titles of all time. They love to hype absolute mediocrity.

[likedamaster]

Tell that to Insomniac, after the 2nd R&C it got mediocre and "the same". Kameo was a new IP coming into a new generation of video games, it was a great concept with perfect execution. I disagree. Blame the 360 gamers who wanted a more hardcore title, but you wouldn't know nothing about that either of you never owned a 360.

[PandemicPrawn0]

Rare have produced some high quality games this gen.

But for some reason they are not getting the support from the "hardcore" community.

I don't know if its the art style being to cutesy or weather the content is not mature enough but games like Nuts and Bolts and Viva Pinata have been very well received critically.

Rare have been doing a good job at trying to diversify the 360's library, but gamers don't seem to want it.

[rmedtx888]

I think that MS is sticking their nose too much into Rare's affairs. I agree they own it but they are not letting them reach their potential. I will not be surprised if one of these days they close the studio arguing that it was a business decision.

[devilhunterx]

omg! quick someone make a poll about it. <the outrage!>

[Henry Cain]

This was a horrible game.

[green]

Did not like the first one so this news does not bother me.Sucks for Kameo fans though.

[PS360PCROCKS]

:( Kameo was cool, I wanted a sequel.

[W S K]

Kameo was a fantastic game and i would L.O.V.E to see a sequel ;)
though wee don´t know all the reasons why they made this decision...(what were they thinking?! :D *put AVGN voice in here*)
but i hope that it shows up...maybe mid-end next year??? ....or whenever they could....

PLEASE RARE! DO IT!!!

[PandemicPrawn0]

Not too upset about Kameo2 as I never played the first.

However the statement.

"The company is reviewing the current composition of its development teams and there is the possibility that a small number of current positions could be lost as a result of these changes,"

Has me a bit worried. What are Microsoft doing with their already small group of first party developers?

[Freak of Nature]

You are right.I am concerned aswell....

My first thought is they are getting rid of the Banjo/Conker/Kameo people/artists and hiring new Casual/mini game devs....

The comment "as a result of these changes" makes me think bye,bye old talent,hello new casual.Natal talent.Sounds like a complete turn-about..If not complete,then a sure change and route...

[VanHalen]

Still one of my all time favorite games for the 360! This is one of the reasons i havent sold my 360, i just love Kameo! The graphics were just incredible. MS just keeps getting worse and worse.

[stuna1]

Great find, excellent read! And to others it's time to look past the smoke and, mirrors stop grabbing for every bone thrown at you! Speak up and hold corporations accountable for their actions, be it Sony, Nintendo or, Microsoft.

[Silentmerc3nary]

This is so lame. I really wanted a sequel. Microsoft should let Rare do what they want. If they did, we will have seen a conker, kameo 2, and who knows what else.

[DarkSniper]

Rare has been nothing but a laughingstock and obviously a shell of it's former self. As they do with all development companies, Microsoft has ruined what was once a great subsidiary of Nintendo. XBox 360's limitations and inferior infastructure has hindered the thought process of the geniuses behind some of the greatest titles of the 90's.

The fact is that Rare needs Sony in order to enhance their development potential. Under Sony's supervision, gamers would be ensured that they receive a proper sequel to Killer Instinct, Conker and a true successor to Goldeneye 007. But instead what you're left with is cancelled titles and betas to games that will never come to fruition. Goldeneye 360, Perfect Dark remake and Kameo to be prime examples.

What Microslaves do not understand is that Microsoft executives are so far out of touch with reality, they have no clue to what the gaming audience truly wants. Therefore Rare is nothing more than a rotting piece of meat, waiting for the maggots to surround it and decompose into nothingness.

Dark Sniper will continue to enjoy AAA titles with or without Rare, simply because he owns a PlayStation®3. Sorry Microslaves, if you're lucky you'll get a Grabbed By the Goulies 2.

$niper

[PandemicPrawn0]

I don't know why you think Rare are a laughingstock.

I suspect it's only because they are currently part of Microsoft's first party.

As I have stated above Rare have been releasing solid games all this gen. Gamers like yourself just don't want to support them for some reason.

I don't like to post list of games with Metacritic scores so I won't, but after taking a look I can tell you that the lowest score for a game that Rare have released this gen was 79 and that game was Kameo.

That's not bad for a developer who you claim to be "a shell of it's former self".

[Pirateogta]

You won't be enjoying any more AAA titles on your PS3 than 360 owners will be enjoying on their 360s.

According to MetaCritic, so far this year the 360 and PS3 are completely tied with AAA games. They both have 6 AAA games, 3 of those being exclusives.

Xbox 360

Street Fighter IV (93)
Batman: Arkham Asylum (92)
Forza Motorsport 3 (92) *EXCLUSIVE*
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony (91) *EXCLUSIVE*
FIFA Soccer 10 (91)
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned (90) *EXCLUSIVE*

PS3

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (96) *EXCLUSIVE*
Street Fighter IV (94)
FIFA Soccer 10 (91)
Killzone 2 (91) *EXCLUSIVE*
Batman: Arkham Asylum (91)
MLB 09: The Show (90) *EXCLUSIVE*

And don't say anything about TLAD and TBoGT being expansions, because they have more gameplay content and higher presentation values than practically every $60 game to come out this year.

[keysy420]

fanboys say what you want, but sony makes good games, and get good games, out(eventually) still. those sony boys once they get a good title they will push it and not over kill it.

[Biggunz]

C'MON now....your actually counting expansion packs?...LOL

[Freak of Nature]

If part of the reason for canning Kameo 2 was because of "poor" sales,then why did they get so deep in development to begin with? Low sales is a false!

It' all about Natal for them now.

Casual/mini games from rare incoming!

I just wish they stuck to what they "did" best in their golden days.Quirky/stylish toon/caricature based act/platformers...Conker,Banjo , to name a couple...

I still hope something of their magic is still around,and that it appears sometime next year,and hope that all of what they are going to have is not just casual shovelware...

[Pootangpie]

give me a sequal to conker that defintly would be a lot more preferable MS was smart for canning that dud

[keysy420]

like heavenly sword not saying it was a bad game but came out too early in life cycle.

[keysy420]

you forgot demon souls, fat princess,ratchet and clank, infamous all exclusive, you fckin fanboys are annoying, fat princess isnt 60 but the others are, and all canidate for game of the year.

[Elven6]

An AAA title when it comes to reviews is something that has at least a 90% average on sites like Metacritic. HOWEVER, just because a game is not "AAA" does NOT disqualify it from being a GOTY contender.

Fat Princess: 79

http://www.metacritic.com/g... Princess

Ratchet and Clank: 86

http://www.metacritic.com/g...

Demon's Soul 89:

http://www.metacritic.com/g...

inFamous: 85

http://www.metacritic.com/g...

THAT BEING SAID, who cares? A great game is a great game regardless of "AAA" status. Both the retail front and downloadable front saw great releases, in other words, it's great for gamers.

[VanHalen]

Idiot!

[SpartanZero]

Pirateogta thats 4 for the 360 when l4d 2 comes out. I like Rare one of my favorite games this gen viva pinata and I loved all the games they made when I played my N64.

[wingman32x]

Sigh... Natal better be freakin awesome that's all I have to say.

[Darrius Cole]

Microsoft needs to be adding exclusive franchises, not taking them away.

[BlackIceJoe]

I thought both PDZ and Kameo both sold over a million. If so and Kameo can't get a sequel that sucks. I for one want to know what happens next. I think the Kameo world is rich and could allow for some really cool games. I would have loved if Kameo 2 was more open ended and was an Action/Adventure RPG. Because I think that would have worked for the Kameo universe. I so hope some day Rare will get another chance to make a new Kameo game.

[tripewire]

lol.

Exclusive games FTW!

You guys who defend this company are idiots.

[Mizz_mai]

xbots are so stupid....demand quality for once everything rares done for MS since day one ones been a flop
grabbed by the ghoulies=flop
viva pinata=flop
perfect dark=flop
kameo= flop
etc

[Elven6]

Flop? If those games didn't do well in reviews they did well in sales with the only exception being Grabbed by the Ghoulies.

Viva Pinata: Over 1 million sold with critical acclaim
Perfect Dark: Over 2 million units sold
Kameo: Over 1 million units sold with a great following

[ReBurn]

Kameo is a really great game. If you have a 360 and haven't played it then it is probably worth your time, especially if you like games along the lines of Jak and Daxter. It's every bit as visually impressive as Ratchet and Klank and is way more open. You can probably find a used copy for $10 or less these days.

[VanHalen]

100% agree

[Pootangpie]

and never played the game for that matter mostly PS3 fanboys