IGN posted this one:
Yesterday IGN reported that Nintendo had terminated its second-party relationship with Rare and that the UK-based developer had been sold to interested buyer Microsoft. Since then a series of conflicting reports have surfaced, including so-called statements by Nintendo that it would sell its shares in Rare and then prompt denials of such news by the company. For the average reader, it has been a mess of half-truths, and it's been very difficult to follow.
Now, the latest -- the first semi-official confirmation of Nintendo's decision not to pursue its second-party relationship with Rare, comes by way of Nintendo itself. Inquiring readers who sent e-mails to Nintendo's official US branch about the Rare situation received this standard response from the company:
Thank you for your e-mail. Although Nintendo doesn't comment on rumors Or speculation by the media, we can tell you that Nintendo has made the decision not to request Rare to make any further exclusive games for the Nintendo GameCube. Although we're proud of our joint efforts with Rare Over the years and have enjoyed our relationship with them, in fiscal year 2001, Rare accounted for only 9.5% of total Nintendo software revenue worldwide. In fiscal year 2002, that number declined to 1.5%. Therefore, in evaluating our investments in developers, as well as the financial benefits to Nintendo over the years, we've decided it's in Nintendo's best interests to focus On diversifying our portfolio of developers and projects.
Star Fox Adventures, which was jointly developed by Rare and Nintendo, Will launch as scheduled on September 23rd and will remain exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube. Nintendo's other great franchise characters such as Donkey Kong also will remain exclusive to Nintendo.
We have no additional details to share on this issue at this time...
Sincerely,
Nintendo of America Inc.
We contacted Nintendo's public relations firm for clarification on this matter, but the company did not get back to us in time for publish. Expect more on this issue in the coming weeks.
So who is right? My guess is that Nintendo DID sell Rare. They are always all about the money, and they are right hasn't accounted for much of anything in a while.
I say who cares? It's still Rare. It will be interesting to see if they can create good games under someone elses wing? I mean think about it. How many publishers are willing to let you push a game, like Goldeneye, back and back and back until it's perfect? I don't see MS doing that at all. But then again, look what Bungie did with Halo.
It'll be interesting.
