Microsoft to buy Rare?
09-02-02 | 05:05 PM
#1
Microsoft to buy Rare?
from www.computerandvideogames.com:
This could be a huge steal for Microsoft. I'm not sure how it would work, as Nintendo owns 49% of Rare (as stated above) and you think they'd be unliked to "co-own" Rare with MS, or to sell there shares to MS. If it goes through, it could help MS fill in some big gaps in there gaming library as they are sorely lacking in platformers, which is one of Rare's strengths.
But then again, given how slow the company is (their name must come from how often they put out games) they really don't put out enough games to make or break the console wars either way. Still, they are popular, and the few games they put out this generation are bound to sell some systems if they are exclusive.
Purely from the stand point of a Gamecube owner that doesn't have an X-box, I don't really care as I've always found Rare to be overrated. Blast Corps and Banjo Kazooie are the only games of theirs I really loved. Goldeneye and PD were very good for FPSs, but I'm not much of an FPS fan. I didn't care for Jet Force Gemini, Conker's Bad Fur Day, Diddy Kong Racing or any of the other games that I can't think of at the moment.
RUMOUR WHIRLWIND AS MICROSOFT MOVES ON RARE
And before you say, "But it was supposed to be Activision," word is that there simply wasn't enough cash in the bank: full story inside
17:18 UK sources indicated today that the long-rumoured Microsoft take-over move on Rare may be imminent. Insiders have now set a price of £350 million for the developer, which at the moment is owned by Nintendo to the tune of 49 percent of its stock.
Rare refused to comment on the speculation today.
The news is looking likely to be a jigsaw piece that slots in nicely to make a final, Rare-shaped picture. Talk is heating up today regarding an apparently huge announcement at Microsoft's X02 event in Seville later this month, which will be specifically software related. Rumour has been constant recently regarding the next Perfect Dark game heading exclusively to Xbox. See what we mean?
More. Chatter of the Stamper brothers, founders of the developer, looking to sell up has been circulating for more than a year. It's now widely well known that Activision looked seriously at buying the outfit earlier this year, but British sources this morning hinted that Rare was simply too rich for the publisher's blood.
Microsoft is said to have held a meeting recently with Rare in a hotel near Twycross, the developer's base. Exactly the same talk emerged when Activision was looking over the company's book.
Even more. Rare appears to have cancelled two projects recently, removing the links to the games from the company's website. "It's simply due to updating the site," said Rare by way of explanation last month. Still "updating" then, are you boys? Apparently so.
"There's one guy running the website here," said a Rare employee today. "He's got fairly minimal support, so he's doing all of that at the same time as doing all the instruction books."
The games are still under development, the source added. Current speculation suggests the titles are being doctored to remove Donkey Kong, a Nintendo property, from the games.
Obviously, there's more. When questioned on the state of Nintendo's relationship with Rare at E3 this year, Nintendo heavyweights would only say that the only Rare game being shown for GameCube was Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur planet because that was the only title coming out in this financial year. Then they said refused to say anything else. We suggest you look carefully at the huge gaps between these lines.
While Microsoft remained unavailable for comment today, don't expect this to go away. As soon as we hear more, we'll let you know.
And before you say, "But it was supposed to be Activision," word is that there simply wasn't enough cash in the bank: full story inside
17:18 UK sources indicated today that the long-rumoured Microsoft take-over move on Rare may be imminent. Insiders have now set a price of £350 million for the developer, which at the moment is owned by Nintendo to the tune of 49 percent of its stock.
Rare refused to comment on the speculation today.
The news is looking likely to be a jigsaw piece that slots in nicely to make a final, Rare-shaped picture. Talk is heating up today regarding an apparently huge announcement at Microsoft's X02 event in Seville later this month, which will be specifically software related. Rumour has been constant recently regarding the next Perfect Dark game heading exclusively to Xbox. See what we mean?
More. Chatter of the Stamper brothers, founders of the developer, looking to sell up has been circulating for more than a year. It's now widely well known that Activision looked seriously at buying the outfit earlier this year, but British sources this morning hinted that Rare was simply too rich for the publisher's blood.
Microsoft is said to have held a meeting recently with Rare in a hotel near Twycross, the developer's base. Exactly the same talk emerged when Activision was looking over the company's book.
Even more. Rare appears to have cancelled two projects recently, removing the links to the games from the company's website. "It's simply due to updating the site," said Rare by way of explanation last month. Still "updating" then, are you boys? Apparently so.
"There's one guy running the website here," said a Rare employee today. "He's got fairly minimal support, so he's doing all of that at the same time as doing all the instruction books."
The games are still under development, the source added. Current speculation suggests the titles are being doctored to remove Donkey Kong, a Nintendo property, from the games.
Obviously, there's more. When questioned on the state of Nintendo's relationship with Rare at E3 this year, Nintendo heavyweights would only say that the only Rare game being shown for GameCube was Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur planet because that was the only title coming out in this financial year. Then they said refused to say anything else. We suggest you look carefully at the huge gaps between these lines.
While Microsoft remained unavailable for comment today, don't expect this to go away. As soon as we hear more, we'll let you know.
This could be a huge steal for Microsoft. I'm not sure how it would work, as Nintendo owns 49% of Rare (as stated above) and you think they'd be unliked to "co-own" Rare with MS, or to sell there shares to MS. If it goes through, it could help MS fill in some big gaps in there gaming library as they are sorely lacking in platformers, which is one of Rare's strengths.
But then again, given how slow the company is (their name must come from how often they put out games) they really don't put out enough games to make or break the console wars either way. Still, they are popular, and the few games they put out this generation are bound to sell some systems if they are exclusive.
Purely from the stand point of a Gamecube owner that doesn't have an X-box, I don't really care as I've always found Rare to be overrated. Blast Corps and Banjo Kazooie are the only games of theirs I really loved. Goldeneye and PD were very good for FPSs, but I'm not much of an FPS fan. I didn't care for Jet Force Gemini, Conker's Bad Fur Day, Diddy Kong Racing or any of the other games that I can't think of at the moment.
09-02-02 | 05:43 PM
#4
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Everytime I see these stories pop up it makes me wonder when in the heck are they gonna release the games they've already announced and have been working on for what,....the past 30 years...
09-02-02 | 05:46 PM
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Interesting. An administrator over at Rarenet seems to think they will have the definitive word soon:
http://www.rarenet.com/cgi-bin/ib/ik...ct=ST;f=2;t=45
It's funny that this was posted. Not to rile anyone up, but we're extremely close to bringing you some answers.
We've got a definitive word from one source inside Rare, and as soon as we can confirm what he said, we'll bring you the rest of the story. What we now know (and will hopefully confirm very soon) will answer just about all of the questions that have been swirling around.
Keep an eye out.
We've got a definitive word from one source inside Rare, and as soon as we can confirm what he said, we'll bring you the rest of the story. What we now know (and will hopefully confirm very soon) will answer just about all of the questions that have been swirling around.
Keep an eye out.
09-02-02 | 06:09 PM
#6
DVD Talk Legend
I don't even know why anyone would want that company... The only thing rare about that company is the games ( 
I know, old joke). If MS buys half of the company for 350 million pounds (over half a billion dollars US), I don't see how they can even make any of their money back. Let's be optimistic and say that Rare actually releases the 5 games their site says they have forthcoming plus Perfect Dark 0 all in the Xbox's lifetime. That's 6 games. Let's say that everyone who owns an Xbox right now purchases all 6 of these games at full price. That's 24 million games sold at 50 bucks each which is $1.2 billion. Assuming half of the price of a game is pure profit for MS (not likely), the best they could possibly hope for even in fantasy land is to break even. This is a stupid move for MS - Rare used to be a good game developer and they used to put out game after game, but now they don't. Plus, I don't think their games have the widespread appeal that some people seem to think they do. I really could care less if I ever play a donkey kong game again or a Conker game. Perfect Dark sounds interesting, but there are dozens of other companies with far more FPS experience that could make better FPS games for the xbox. Rare should stick with Nintendo cuz that seems to be the niche that likes em. I think there's fewer xbox owners who are dying to play a Conker game than xbox owners who couldn't care less.
Personally, I don't really mind that MS buys these game developers as long as they don't get too busybody about looking over their shoulders. I just think they should stay away from this company for the future sake of the xbox. I mean - I'd put Rare's current worth at about 30 million USD given how often they put out games. Hell, they should be paying Sony and MS for the rights to be able to put their one or two releases out on their consoles.
I know, old joke). If MS buys half of the company for 350 million pounds (over half a billion dollars US), I don't see how they can even make any of their money back. Let's be optimistic and say that Rare actually releases the 5 games their site says they have forthcoming plus Perfect Dark 0 all in the Xbox's lifetime. That's 6 games. Let's say that everyone who owns an Xbox right now purchases all 6 of these games at full price. That's 24 million games sold at 50 bucks each which is $1.2 billion. Assuming half of the price of a game is pure profit for MS (not likely), the best they could possibly hope for even in fantasy land is to break even. This is a stupid move for MS - Rare used to be a good game developer and they used to put out game after game, but now they don't. Plus, I don't think their games have the widespread appeal that some people seem to think they do. I really could care less if I ever play a donkey kong game again or a Conker game. Perfect Dark sounds interesting, but there are dozens of other companies with far more FPS experience that could make better FPS games for the xbox. Rare should stick with Nintendo cuz that seems to be the niche that likes em. I think there's fewer xbox owners who are dying to play a Conker game than xbox owners who couldn't care less.Personally, I don't really mind that MS buys these game developers as long as they don't get too busybody about looking over their shoulders. I just think they should stay away from this company for the future sake of the xbox. I mean - I'd put Rare's current worth at about 30 million USD given how often they put out games. Hell, they should be paying Sony and MS for the rights to be able to put their one or two releases out on their consoles.
09-02-02 | 07:10 PM
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I wanted to add that the possability of MS buying Rare is strongly supported by the fact that Kenn Lobb left NOA for MS, and Ken was tight within the halls of Rare. Somrthing to keep in mind.
09-02-02 | 07:17 PM
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Wouldn't this also play nicely into Nintendo's departure from the console aspect of gaming. Don't you think MS would like to have the creative talents of Nintendo for their games. A joint ventue is usually the start of such things. I have no idea if this is true but if it is there is a big pictue motive beyond the rights to Perfect Dark. I mean come on HALO 2 will pretty much answer any PB2 challenge. Thats my conspiracy theory anyway. Gotta love Bill!
09-02-02 | 07:41 PM
#9
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Interesting development...it's almost certain that Microsoft made an offer to Rare...after all, they did try to buy out both Nintendo and Sega before moving on to the smaller houses.
If this comes true, I guess the rumors of a multi-console Rare will become null and void, as they would be developing exclusively for the Xbox!
Could this be the boost Microsoft needs to pull them ahead in the console race? Or will it only help slightly? Rares last few games for the N64 were good (except for Mickey's Speedway), but they didn't sell spectacularly well...but then again that console was gasping it's last breaths when they were released.
I'd love to see more Conker games, regardless of platform. I enjoyed the first Perfect Dark but it's a series I could take or leave.
If this comes true, I guess the rumors of a multi-console Rare will become null and void, as they would be developing exclusively for the Xbox!
Could this be the boost Microsoft needs to pull them ahead in the console race? Or will it only help slightly? Rares last few games for the N64 were good (except for Mickey's Speedway), but they didn't sell spectacularly well...but then again that console was gasping it's last breaths when they were released.
I'd love to see more Conker games, regardless of platform. I enjoyed the first Perfect Dark but it's a series I could take or leave.
09-02-02 | 07:47 PM
#10
DVD Talk Legend
Even if Microsoft gets Rare I doubt it will make a difference. Sony has already won this round. It might make a difference in the future though when PS3 battles Xbox 2. However, I think Rare is pretty heavily overrated. Their departure will not break the Game Cube by any means. Other than Goldeneye I really can't think of a Rare game on N64 I really considered a must have. Conker and Perfect Dark were okay, but I could live without them. Donkey 64 and Banjo were terrible IMO. Diddy Kong Racing was probably the worst N64 game I ever bought.
Starfox Adventures isn't even on my buy list.
Starfox Adventures isn't even on my buy list.
09-02-02 | 07:53 PM
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I don't see how this would work. Rare has been working on games on Nintendo's dime and several of their games include Nintendo characters. Nintendo isn't just gonna say "take the games we paid you to make and our trademark characters to another console."
09-02-02 | 08:09 PM
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If this is true, it's simply another talented group of developers working on Xbox. Nothing wrong with that. I don't know that it will have any appreciable effect on the console race but I don't really care. I like the fact that Microsoft has taken the strategy of recruiting talented development teams and game creators like Tim Schafer, Peter Molyneaux, Jason Jones and the Bungie team, the Rayman team (who are developing Tork) and many others. Ultimately, it's the brightest development teams that most often create the best games. Sony seems to focus on the brand names (like Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy, GTA etc...) which probably sells more consoles in the long run but doesn't always lead to the best and most innovative games (they didn't buy GTA until after it was such a huge hit). More often, it's just more of the same. To me, it isn't Mario that makes Nintendo's games so fun, it's Miyamoto and his skilled teams of developers.
09-02-02 | 08:16 PM
#13
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Ive said it before and Ill say it again, if Rare brings PD0 to the Box over the Cube theyre gonna need to have some $$$ flow their way because it will not sell as well.
09-02-02 | 08:22 PM
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Originally posted by Kellehair
I don't see how this would work. Rare has been working on games on Nintendo's dime and several of their games include Nintendo characters. Nintendo isn't just gonna say "take the games we paid you to make and our trademark characters to another console."
I don't see how this would work. Rare has been working on games on Nintendo's dime and several of their games include Nintendo characters. Nintendo isn't just gonna say "take the games we paid you to make and our trademark characters to another console."
09-02-02 | 08:45 PM
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Originally posted by jeffdsmith
Why would they?
Why would they?
09-02-02 | 08:47 PM
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this is pretty much classic MS strategy. They can't get the other guys to make games for the xbox so they buy them out. Nothing wrong with it I guess untill MS is the only game company in town and then everyone will be screaming "monopoly" but it will be too late. Luckily Sony has won this round and there isn't much to worry about for now.
09-02-02 | 08:58 PM
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Originally posted by s}{ammer
this is pretty much classic MS strategy. They can't get the other guys to make games for the xbox so they buy them out. Nothing wrong with it I guess untill MS is the only game company in town and then everyone will be screaming "monopoly" but it will be too late. Luckily Sony has won this round and there isn't much to worry about for now.
this is pretty much classic MS strategy. They can't get the other guys to make games for the xbox so they buy them out. Nothing wrong with it I guess untill MS is the only game company in town and then everyone will be screaming "monopoly" but it will be too late. Luckily Sony has won this round and there isn't much to worry about for now.
Of course, Sony is already dangerously close to a monopoly but I'm sure they have only the best intentions.
09-02-02 | 09:28 PM
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Originally posted by jeffdsmith
So if Nintendo keeps their stock in Rare, and MS buys them that means Nintendo will make money if the xbox is sucessful. I love the irony.
So if Nintendo keeps their stock in Rare, and MS buys them that means Nintendo will make money if the xbox is sucessful. I love the irony.
09-02-02 | 11:49 PM
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Tamrok, Sony didn't buy the companies producing the games, they signed licensing deals. MS is buying out the competition so they can be the only game in town. I am not knocking the Xbox here, it is a good game system but the company that makes it is evil. Hell, they were almost and should have been broken up. This is classic M$ strategy and I can't believe that people can't see it. I would take a company like Sony who actually improves technology and creates great products in place of M$ anyday.
09-02-02 | 11:58 PM
#24
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I think it will give Microsoft some good buzz. however it will not help sell consoles since rare really is horribly slow at releasing games. Of course with MS owning them maybe they will force the games out fast.
I think it is good for Nintendo since they get some more money from the sale of their stock and they lose a developer who did not develop any console sales for them anyway.
Nintendo consoles are sold by Nintendo first party games.
I think it is good for Nintendo since they get some more money from the sale of their stock and they lose a developer who did not develop any console sales for them anyway.
Nintendo consoles are sold by Nintendo first party games.
09-03-02 | 12:12 AM
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Originally posted by s}{ammer
Tamrok, Sony didn't buy the companies producing the games, they signed licensing deals. MS is buying out the competition so they can be the only game in town. I am not knocking the Xbox here, it is a good game system but the company that makes it is evil. Hell, they were almost and should have been broken up. This is classic M$ strategy and I can't believe that people can't see it. I would take a company like Sony who actually improves technology and creates great products in place of M$ anyday.
Tamrok, Sony didn't buy the companies producing the games, they signed licensing deals. MS is buying out the competition so they can be the only game in town. I am not knocking the Xbox here, it is a good game system but the company that makes it is evil. Hell, they were almost and should have been broken up. This is classic M$ strategy and I can't believe that people can't see it. I would take a company like Sony who actually improves technology and creates great products in place of M$ anyday.