210°

Rumour: Rare Ltd on the way out

What’s going on over at Rare these days? If a forum post is to be believed, developers are packing their bags and leaving the troubled developer. Many are apparently choosing unemployment over continuing to work for the Microsoft studio.

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gamepron.com
a_bro4828d ago (Edited 4828d ago )

WTH is going on with microsoft these days with their first party devs?? oh yea, kinect, thats what happened...

the days of a hardcore Banjo Kazooie game, a good Perfect Dark Game, or the possiblities of reviving Killer Instinct are over and done with...

other than that, why are you believing what 4chan says?

EDIT: i would be surprised if this is real and that this closure actually happens in 2011.

macezhno4827d ago

MS is firing them because the kincet games they are coming up with are crap compare to Dance Central.

just a thought\

AAACE54827d ago

@A_bro... How much did yuou smoke today?

I liked Rare as a developer in the past, but you give them too much credit!

Banjo games were never really that great, but they happened to borrow a lot from the Mario 64 formula which made them good games.

Perfect Dark was a good game because they got a lot of experience from the Goldeneye game.

More importantly, Rare has suffered because some of their heads from back in the day are no longer there and they don't have the benefit of having Miyamoto poke around to check on progress and give them tips!

MS mainly wanted Rare for their IP's. Once Rare is dissolved, they will hand the games off to other developers with new ideas.

Maybe 343 will make the next Perfect dark game. Maybe Firebird studios will reform Conker and make him a flagship mascot like he should have been instead of a drunk! Maybe they start up a new studio who makes Kameo more Heavenly sword like instead of just being strange.

I think it's very real and very possible that they could get the axe this year! They cost too much and produce too little! When MS bought them, they had over 200 employees. With that amount of people, they should have been banging out games every year!

Cut your losses has been the popular phrase in recent years. MS owns the IP's and the developers hasn't performed. They can give the games to more capable developers with fresh ideas.

Not trying to bash Rare or Kinect, but for a first party developer to be stuck making Kinect games and dealing with avatar bullsh*t, says something! Especially when they were aquired to be the big gunz!

lepolohuevo4827d ago

you forgot donkey kong country!

a_bro4827d ago

i dont smoke, all im saying is that they were great developers back in the day. they made great games. how can i not give them credit for the contributions they gave in the industry? games like goldeneye, donkey kong country banjo kazooie and killer instinct were one of thereasons why i kept a nintendo console in my home.

to see them fall from grace in the past 6 years is really tough to watch.

AAACE54827d ago

@Lepolohuevo... I never bought into the Super Nintendo thing, so I easily forget about those games. Anyway, Donkey Kong is a Nintendo product.

Shigeru Miyamoto oversees pretty much all first party Nintendo games to ensure quality! He used to just oversee his own and a few other games. But once Nintendo put him in that position, he wasn't able to keep an yey on things the way he needed to, and that's when Rare started their decline.

@A_bro... I was just f'n with you man! It's been more than 6 years I believe. Rare was into their downward spiral by the time the Gamecube came out, which is why Nintendo didn't hesitate to sell them when the option became available!

Gamers like me hoped that Rare's fortunes would turn, because we believed their creative talents were being held back by Nintendo and it's kid friendly atmosphere. And that MS' more older atmosphere would allow them to flourish. Unfortunately, it didn't work that way.

Fast forward to now, Nintendo got paid well for dumping their dead weight. MS overpayed for some franchises and a shell of a great developer, but attained some good franchises that can used. Rare is just plain falling apart.

I wonder if MS intentionally put that guy there to scare people off so they wouldn't have to pay out so much when they shut them down!

DOMination4827d ago

Who cares most of the good rare staff now work for crytek anyway

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4827d ago
Cajun Chicken4828d ago

If I'm honest. I'm led to believe this is probably true. I know people in game development courses and they certainly don't want to be making this casual stuff and games for the wrong audiences they chose to entertain when they chose that ambition, plus Rare used to be a very creative and free studio. Really wouldn't be suprised, for christs sake, they got put to work on Avatars.

Raven_Nomad4827d ago

No way, Rare is too important and I'm guessing we'll see some Rare games soon, Kinect Sports was the best Kinect game and sold well over 1 million, that type of success is hard to walk away from.

I call this article bogus!

A7XEric4827d ago

If my avatar wasn't any indication, Rare is by far my favorite development team. What the hell has Microsoft done? They could easily let any second rate dev team create Kinect Sports.

Why not loosen the chokehold on this amazingly gifted development house and let them make the games they want instead of running some type of fucking dictatorial rule over them making their staff leave.

koehler834827d ago

That's Microsoft's culture. It starts right at the top.

ceedubya94827d ago

The Rare you once new hasn't been the same for a long time.

multipayer4827d ago

People have been trolling Rare for years, even when they're pumping out the most polished games on Xbox. If Rare goes down, it is because the market is shallow and only interested in recycled trash.

MrBeatdown4827d ago

Recycled trash? You mean like Kinect Sports?

A7XEric4827d ago

Agreed, they've actually been putting out a ton of great stuff, but they've just been commercial failures due to Microsoft's piss poor marketing.

Conker, PDZ (save for it's cringe-inducing story), Kameo, Viva Pinata have all been great games, especially the later of which.

eggbert4827d ago

this isn't really much of an article. It's a forum post and speculation, which doesn't really qualify as news. We've already known about RARE's members leaving.

It sucks, but hey it happens.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN4d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan4d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor4d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic4d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv724d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares5d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv724d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka4d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion4d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer4d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow14d ago (Edited 4d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer4d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

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news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18814d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

5d ago
Lightning775d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole4d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

5d ago
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4d ago Replies(1)
Lightning774d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

4d ago
anast4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning774d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast4d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning774d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
darthv725d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes5d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv729d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle9d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18819d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio9d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning779d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga9d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv728d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19928d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21839d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga9d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan9d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit8d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus239d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv729d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica8d ago (Edited 8d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier8d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan8d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 8d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-9d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac9d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1019d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic9d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead9d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 9d ago
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