200°

Ex-Rare Developer: “Microsoft Wanted to Make Rare into What it was With Nintendo”

Chris Seavor is a pretty chilled out guy. He worked at Rare for 17 years, overseeing many a legendary title like Killer Instinct, Perfect Dark and Conker’s Bad Fur Day (before and after it became the most risque game on a Nintendo console at the time). He also worked on a ton of canned games like Perfect Dark Core, a darker version of the title inspired by Deus-Ex; Urchin, a dark fantasy game focusing on “dirty fighting”; and Ordinary Joe, a horror title.

In an interview with Eurogamer, where he spoke at length about the titles and his departure from Rare, Seavor also talked about why Perfect Dark Core was shut down, and Microsoft’s vision for Rare.

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eurogamer.net
dedicatedtogamers4591d ago

The problem is that Microsoft wanted to make Rare into the CASH COW that it was with Nintendo. The problem is that when they let Rare do their own thing, they made Kameo, PDZ, and Viva Pinata 1 and 2. None of those games were the "cash cow" that Microsoft was looking for. So what did Microsoft do?

They milked.

"Oh, we're coming out with a new Banjo Kazooie game! But wait, because we want to push more XBL Gold subscriptions, let's radically change the core gameplay to allow for XBL online play"

And even THAT didn't work, which is why Rare now makes flail-your-arms Wii Sports clones nowadays.

StrongMan4591d ago

Well said. MS kills creativity. Even Bungie found a way to get out of their contract with MS so they wouldn't be locked in a basement making Halo forever.

from the beach4591d ago

Rare made the games they made, dude. I happen to think their output over the past decade has been very good, but if people within the company aren't happy they only have themselves to blame.

lategamer4591d ago (Edited 4591d ago )

Rare made creative games. Grabbed by Ghoullies, Kameo, PDZ, Viva Pinata, and Nuts and Bolts. The thing was, the games didn't sell that well, nor were they AAA. Kameo has 79 on metacritic, PDZ has 81. And Microsoft let Rare do there thing, they didn't interfere. Rare fucked up, Microsoft has some part of the blame, but it's not like Rare wasn't given chances. They were given many chances.

Now, even if there games are not that great, they still sell well. And the Avatars they developed are still used and great source of income for Microsoft.

Edit: I wasn't a big fan of most of there (Xbox 360) games, but I have to admit, Viva Pinata was awesome. It's a shame it gets labeled as a kiddie game. Its very deep. If you haven't try the demo out on XBL and buy the game. It should be cheap now a days.

Cueil4591d ago

Bungie didn't find a way to get out of their contract they were wholly owned by Microsoft. They asked Microsoft if they could buy back their company and Microsoft respected the developer so much they allowed them to do so. You think Sony would let their studios buy themselves back to independence? Or that Activision would let Blizzard go? I don't think so.

THE_MACGREGOR4590d ago

In a basement? wow your a fool. Bungie had it made...apparently ya never watched the behind the scenes that shipped with halo 2....
and bungie got to branch out . They overseen the hd version of Marathon and I.P which they got to keep from Microsoft. M$ didnt do them any wrong . Prolly the one studio that was treated like a God above all else.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4590d ago
Eyeco4591d ago (Edited 4591d ago )

The thing that doesn't make sense to me is, why would Microsoft need a Talented dev like Rare, to make simple casual, lame Wii party game knock off's it makes absolutely zero sense to me, there are plenty of small niche 3rd party dev houses that can do that, just look at the Wii's library for christ sake.

it doesn't seem logical to spend £300 million on a talented dev just so they can end up making cheap Wii clones, yes their profitable but like I said there are plenty of small dev houses that would have done that and probably wouldn't have costed 300 million to purchase, what a waste of time, money, and talent.

lategamer4591d ago

Rare made many games over the years. Grabbed by Ghoulies, Conker Reloaded, PDZ, Kameo, etc. They didn't sell as well or were acclaimed as well as Microsoft would like. So Microsoft put them to work on Kinect games, which sold better than any of there previous games. As a business, Microsoft wants to make money. And that seems logical to me. Its a shame we won't see these franchises, maybe next gen :/?

GraveLord4591d ago

and even those Kinect Sports games aren't the blockbusters Microsoft wanted...

Locksus4591d ago

They've sold well nevertheless.

StrongMan4591d ago

Good read. So sad to see what they did it to RARE.

Eyeco4591d ago

In all fairness allot of their key players did leave in the early 2000's to fomr Free Radical, why do you think Timesplitters 2 was so badass

FarCryLover1824591d ago

Should have let Rare do whatever they wanted to do.

ronin4life4591d ago

There are three key Nintendo 2nd party studio stories; Rare, Silicone Knights and Retro.

Rare and Silicone Knights went straight to hell after their ties with Nintendo ended(with a former SK employee all but confirming Nintendo was an important driver in their management), and Retro was turned to gold after its aquisition by Nintendo.

While the whole Rare story speaks volumes of MS(as does Bungee) I think it also says a lot of Nintendo.

MorbidPorpoise4591d ago

'' I didn't like what was done with her character in Perfect Dark on Xbox 360. Personally, I didn't think the character was very strong, who she was. She is meant to be this assassin and it's like, oh, she looked a bit like a pantomime. She looked very corny.''

Couldnt agree more with him.

Would love to have seen Core finished, Zero to me lost the Cyberpunk and dark look and feel of the original, which was why I fell in love with the franchise.

More I read these (Been a fair few last couple of years) I really wish MS didnt shut down the devolpment of pretty much all there games, Urchin, Core, Kameo 2, Conker 2.... After the average launch release titles, these could have reinstated Rare to how they were with Ninty.

Its a shame they wernt given a 2nd chance.

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260°

AMD CEO Shares Vision Behind Xbox Partnership and Next-Gen Chip Roadmap

AMD CEO Lisa Su talks about the Xbox AMD partnership, next-gen Ryzen + Radeon chips, and AI rendering tech coming to all Xbox devices.

Read Full Story >>
clouddosage.com
Obscure_Observer1d 7h ago

AMD is really building hype around their unique partnership with Microsoft to help and build an advanced and seamless Xbox ecosystem across all Xbox consoles and devices.

I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimized chips" though? Seems ambitious.

Next year´s Xbox Showcase already looks promising and exciting. Here´s hoping they deliver.

InUrFoxHole1d 1h ago

They had best show 3yrs in a row. Heading for another

VenomUK18h ago

Obscure_Observer said “I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimised chips" though? Seems ambitious.” To me, I interpret this to mean rather than having a couple of X/S products for launch and a handheld there is a longer term plan to release new products with higher specs at timed intervals. I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec.

Agent758h ago

But Microsoft forgot the games.

KwietStorm_BLM13h ago

It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever.

Ganif12h ago

Correct.

"Sony's PlayStation 6 reportedly will feature an AMD semi-custom APU with a Zen 5 CPU and UDNA GPU, capable of 4K 120FPS and 8K 60FPS gaming. The console will include X3D cache and advanced AI upscaling technology."

https://www.tweaktown.com/n...

Obscure_Observer8h ago

"It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever."

I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released.

Notellin8h ago

You should have just lead this comment with the fact that you have zero understanding of technology in the consoles and instead have a Toms Hardware online forum level of education.

Agent758h ago

But Microsoft forgot the games

Obscure_Observer8h ago

@VenomUK

"I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec."

Very interesting theory. Still not sure how MS would actually make it work.

KwietStorm_BLM4h ago

"I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released."

How old is the tech in consoles? It's not a huge announcement. It's marketing and you know it is.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4h ago
Fishy Fingers1d 6h ago (Edited 1d 6h ago )

Some odd, deliberate wording, no branding, not 'Xbox consoles, Xbox handhelds' specifically, feels and sounds like they're building towards hardware that anyone can be used or licensed to/by themselves and other manufacturers.

Multiplatform software and hardware 'Xbox/AMD APU'.

Obscure_Observer1d 6h ago

I guess you missed Sarah Bond´s next generation Xbox announcement this week, were she clearly states:

"I´m thrilled to share that we´ve established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including, *our* next generation *Xbox consoles*."

But hey, I don´t think you´re entirely wrong, maybe MS will build their own Xbox consoles while licencing other manufactures to build and sell their own Xbox branded consoles. Who knows

BeHunted1d 2h ago (Edited 1d 1h ago )

I think you watched the wrong video. It's below the description, or you can watch it directly on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/kprpRvsOua...

PRIMORDUS1d 6h ago Show
HyperMoused1d 6h ago

Shares vision....we provide chips for money, this deal will sell many chips, we will make lots of money...good vision

Christopher1d 6h ago

The marketing behind this is so heavy that I worry about the actual outcome. Why are they just not showing us the product, why all this talking in market speak?

Lightning771d 1h ago

Probably because the next xbox isn't ready to release yet?

The marketing and rumors seem to be heavy out of no where. The rumor was a 27 release but it maybe it could be 26 new console launch instead.

Who knows.

Eonjay13h ago

There PR is alrways super heavy handed. No one is acutally buying an Xbox as is.
Also it is very early to be talking so much about a next gen console.

Obscure_Observer8h ago

There´s a lot of people interested on Xbox Next and its ability to run games from major stores like Steam.

We know that the PS6 is just around the corner as well, but so far, no news on what it might improve over the PS5 or PS5 Pro.

However, Sony already made public that their priority and actual focus is the PS6. So its not "very early" to talk about next gen when the very console manufactures are talking about it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 8h ago
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470°

Nintendo Switch 2 sales shatters records, most-sold console in 24-hour period

The Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record by selling over 3 million units within 24 hours, tripling the PlayStation 4’s previous launch day sales.

Read Full Story >>
tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai13d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7212d ago (Edited 12d ago )

No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.

The number of SW2 specific titles pales in comparison to the variety of SW1 games that get a performance boost right out of the box on this. And like the SX and PS5 before it, you can bet the majority are going to be using it as a means to better enjoy their existing titles that can benefit.

This may have been quick out of the gate... so was the WiiU. I quite enjoy it for what it is, but am keeping my expectations in check.

GenoPurpel12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

The Switch 2’s price point is great and fine and it’s still cheaper than the current gen of consoles aside from the Series S.

The only place I think they will fall short is their software sales, which also in turn may affect the hardware sales but not significantly. Parents will be fine paying for the system for their kids, but one look at an $80-$90 price tag for a single video game, that is where a lot of people will draw the line. Maybe not so much the people who are in the “willing to pay because I buy deluxe editions anyway” crowd, but for parents specifically, more sacrifices are gonna need to be made in their choices of gifts for their kids.

OtterX12d ago

As a parent of 3 with a very modest income, it was very affordable bc I already had an immense library of games, and the Mario Kart bundle came out to only about €50 more than a standard bundle. Both Zeldas were upgraded w Family Expansion Pass that I already had. Many games were upgraded for free. The only additional game I bought was Fast Fusion for 14.99 which was a great purchase!

Killer2020UK12d ago

People seem to forget that the Switch was $299 at launch which in today's money is roughly $400. That makes the Switch 2 a $50 increase when inflation is taken into account compared to the original.

Yes, people have less spending power on average compared to 2017 (Switch launch year) but this is not the MASSIVE price hike that people are making out Nintendo to be doing.

raWfodog12d ago

“No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.”

It could also be many people rushing to buy to avoid any possible tariff hikes in the future, but I think it’s still a good sign that many people still want physical consoles. Congrats to Nintendo! I’m not getting one at this time though (unless I get it for a Xmas present for one of my kids).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 12d ago
1Victor12d ago

Congratulations Nintendo on finding the happy medium between their weak console and their invincible handheld plus learning from Sony and clearly defining the new console from the old unlike their Wii and Wii U just add a higher number simple yet effective 👍👍

victorMaje12d ago

Are people that keen on $90 games?
Is it true some remasters will also be $90?

DankSinatra12d ago

Tell me you don't research without telling me you don't research.

victorMaje12d ago

Nope. I didn’t research, I don’t own any Nintendo consoles and I had read on here something about $90 games on switch 2, so I guess it’s good now, people can calm down. Have a nice day :)

1nsomniac12d ago

I bought the Switch 2 I won’t be buying games at MK prices. I don’t ever pay over £45 for my games. Even my Nintendo switch exclusives I never paid more than £33 for.

franwex12d ago

I think the typo you put was meant to be $80.
Anyway, the answer to those questions seem to be yes.

victorMaje12d ago

Looks like I’ve been enlightened about the amount. Happy to see it’s not $90.

Sgt_Slaughter11d ago

Don't get your news from clickbait TikTokers/YouTubers, only go to the source (Nintendo) or reliable new outlets like IGN.

No game is $90 on the Switch 2, and they will never go there. Most games will be under $80, too.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
gold_drake12d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos12d ago

Its crazy that it's both the highest selling console on day 1 and people can walk into a store and buy it with no pre order

Ashunderfire8612d ago

Yup while I was waiting in line from Best Buy for Switch 2, like I did for Switch 1 back in 2017, every waiting 12am was going to get a Switch 2! I was in the no preorder line too!

My friend manage to get 4 Switch 2s at his GameStop store, that was lowkey not busy at all. Got them all for himself and his family. Super easy to get a Switch 2 over PS5.

Profchaos12d ago

The struggle to get a ps5 was real had mates wait over 2 years for stock i got lucky and got it day 1 but still

Ashunderfire8612d ago

I know and I also struggled getting a preorder for the PS5, when Walmart, Best Buy among other retailers open their preorders a day early before most of us realize it. I got my PS5 launch day thanks to YouTube Live Streamer Jake Randell. He helps people get preorders and launch consoles.

Neonridr11d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8611d ago

It’s funny how I got disagrees for speaking the truth for what I experienced getting the Switch 2. Nintendo had more copies of Switch 2 than Sony for the PS5.

Don’t be butthurt about this very fact. People on here disagreeing with crazy reasons lol

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 11d ago
hiawa2312d ago

Doesn't that mean Nintendo made sure they had plenty of stock available at retail.

Profchaos12d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker12d ago

Yeah, I remember reading an article over two years ago with Nintendo stating that they were going to do all that they could to make sure their next console didn't have the PS5/XBox reseller swiping /no stock fiasco happen to them.

Looks like they made sure production met demand. Refreshing to see that the reseller thing didn't trend and I hope a lot of people who bought multiple units for the sole reason to resell then at $1000 are now stuck with them.

jznrpg12d ago

It also means there isn’t a chip shortage when PS5/Xbox came out during pandemic

gold_drake12d ago

to be where fair, we had a current gen come out during covid ha

repsahj12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

I remembered I tried 7 pre-order events during the PS5 launch. I gave up and ended up buying 1 from a scalper. But now, I already secured 1 pre-order Switch 2 unit in my country very easy and without problems.

Neonridr11d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
Terry_B12d ago

Unlike the Switch 2 , the Playstation 4 was not sold on the same day in most regions.

12d ago
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210°

Activision Forces Adverts into Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone Loadouts

With the launch of Call of Duty Season 4, Activision quietly put adverts inside loadouts for Black Ops 6 and Warzone, sparking a backlash in the process.

20d ago
20d ago
lukasmain20d ago

Putting Ads in a pay-to-play Premium title? Well done Microsoft. Well done /s This is really scummy.

jjb198119d ago

This game will never change because these sweatlords love buying up all the skins and bundles that become obsolete the following year. They're the ones perpetuating Activision's greed.

VenomUK18d ago

If Microsoft introduces adverts into its other games I hope it can do them without disrupting the immersion of the game world. So for example in the new Fable game it would look out of place if there was a billboard advertising Cadillacs.

A far better way to do it would be to have a wizard conjure a 'dream cloud' in front of your character and then in the cloud you can see the Cadillac car and see the text with price and availability and hear a booming sales voice promoting the car. That would work so well as it wouldn't be a billboard and completely, 100%, fit in with your character's adventuring in Albion. Doesn't that sound so much better?!

crazyCoconuts18d ago

@venom, or how about our of 100 farts in Albion, 1 of them has a Cadillac pop out

VenomUK18d ago

@crazyCoconuts That’s undeniably off-beat - but it could really work!

19d ago
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