Doomed!
Rare has again been plunged into yet more turmoil, following the shock revelation that Kameo: Elements of Power has fallen off its release schedule, underlining the ongoing problems at the Twycross development studio.
The game was initially announced for Nintendo’s GameCube way back in 2000, the code was then ported to Xbox, redesigned and slated for a release for the Microsoft console in January of 2005.
An official statement from Rare reads, “Here's one you didn't see coming! After a lot of thought and discussion, Rare and Microsoft Game Studios have decided to push back the launch of Kameo: Elements of Power in order to incorporate several changes and new features (some minor, some not so minor). We realise this is frustrating in the short term to all those of you avidly following the game's progress and itching to bust some Troll heads, and we can only apologise for keeping you in suspense, but rest assured that every last one of these new developments is designed to enhance and expand the overall experience. We want this to be the best game possible, so like any delays we may have instigated in the past (surely not) we have every confidence that this one will ultimately work out for the best. Stay tuned for further updates."
The firm gave no hint as to a revised release date, nor did it make any attempt to explain what exactly needed enhancements and expansion as mentioned above may be.
This news will undoubtedly throw a bucket of gossip petrol of the smouldering rumours which talk of a staffing crisis at Rare, a company which has come under intense scrutiny since Microsoft incomprehensibly bought it from Nintendo for $375 million, (as exclusively revealed on SPOnG) an investment which has so far seen the release of the critically shamed Grabbed by the Ghoulies, though the two Game Boy Advance titles, Sabre Wulf and Banjo: Grunty’s Revenge will surely ease Microsoft’s fears, and offset the massive ongoing costs incurred by Rare…
The entire Rare buy-out for Microsoft has left the firm embarrassed from the outset. The Redmond giant ensured attendees at it’s X02 summit that it’s new acquisition would be releasing at least five blockbuster smash hits for Xbox every year. This is currently running at staggering 90% shortfall.
It is thought that the departure of the popular Ed Fries from Microsoft Game Studios, the lead proponent of the Rare purchase, was directly linked to the release crisis at Rare.
Rare was also keen to point out that it never actually made a commitment to five titles per year, stating on the record “What nobody seems to remember is that it wasn't us who said we'd crank out five games over two/three years - when we saw that reported we were all going "Five games? Really? Blimey."”
And the situation is now getting to the point that Rare’s famous secrecy is failing to protect it from escalating talk that the studio is simply not coping with developing for the Xbox and working for Microsoft.
This news makes Rare’s lead artists comments on Kameo, made only last month, seem somewhat ironic. “We prefer to think of the changes to Kameo as an evolution. You never know though, perhaps if you practice hard at the game and become a worthy enough warrior then you may just find a way to restore Kameo to her former self.”
Currently Kameo: Elements of Power has no release date or period.
As ever, we’ll bring you everything Rare-related right here, as it breaks.
The game was initially announced for Nintendo’s GameCube way back in 2000, the code was then ported to Xbox, redesigned and slated for a release for the Microsoft console in January of 2005.
An official statement from Rare reads, “Here's one you didn't see coming! After a lot of thought and discussion, Rare and Microsoft Game Studios have decided to push back the launch of Kameo: Elements of Power in order to incorporate several changes and new features (some minor, some not so minor). We realise this is frustrating in the short term to all those of you avidly following the game's progress and itching to bust some Troll heads, and we can only apologise for keeping you in suspense, but rest assured that every last one of these new developments is designed to enhance and expand the overall experience. We want this to be the best game possible, so like any delays we may have instigated in the past (surely not) we have every confidence that this one will ultimately work out for the best. Stay tuned for further updates."
The firm gave no hint as to a revised release date, nor did it make any attempt to explain what exactly needed enhancements and expansion as mentioned above may be.
This news will undoubtedly throw a bucket of gossip petrol of the smouldering rumours which talk of a staffing crisis at Rare, a company which has come under intense scrutiny since Microsoft incomprehensibly bought it from Nintendo for $375 million, (as exclusively revealed on SPOnG) an investment which has so far seen the release of the critically shamed Grabbed by the Ghoulies, though the two Game Boy Advance titles, Sabre Wulf and Banjo: Grunty’s Revenge will surely ease Microsoft’s fears, and offset the massive ongoing costs incurred by Rare…
The entire Rare buy-out for Microsoft has left the firm embarrassed from the outset. The Redmond giant ensured attendees at it’s X02 summit that it’s new acquisition would be releasing at least five blockbuster smash hits for Xbox every year. This is currently running at staggering 90% shortfall.
It is thought that the departure of the popular Ed Fries from Microsoft Game Studios, the lead proponent of the Rare purchase, was directly linked to the release crisis at Rare.
Rare was also keen to point out that it never actually made a commitment to five titles per year, stating on the record “What nobody seems to remember is that it wasn't us who said we'd crank out five games over two/three years - when we saw that reported we were all going "Five games? Really? Blimey."”
And the situation is now getting to the point that Rare’s famous secrecy is failing to protect it from escalating talk that the studio is simply not coping with developing for the Xbox and working for Microsoft.
This news makes Rare’s lead artists comments on Kameo, made only last month, seem somewhat ironic. “We prefer to think of the changes to Kameo as an evolution. You never know though, perhaps if you practice hard at the game and become a worthy enough warrior then you may just find a way to restore Kameo to her former self.”
Currently Kameo: Elements of Power has no release date or period.
As ever, we’ll bring you everything Rare-related right here, as it breaks.
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Comments
claudioalex 4 Nov 2004 12:56
1/8
Bad news for Microsoft, Nintendo was right when they decide to sell RARE, i hope the finished game will be great, for the sake of rare fans
First post!!!
First post!!!
tyrion 4 Nov 2004 13:11
2/8
It seems the clue was in the name.
The games are rare too!
The games are rare too!
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Ditto 4 Nov 2004 15:23
3/8
Rare never really seemed to get on with Microsoft. The money from the sale of Rare was invested in Retro Studies (Metroid Prime).
Personally, I think Nintendo have got the best deal.
Personally, I think Nintendo have got the best deal.
Shoryuken! 4 Nov 2004 16:43
4/8
$375 Million? Ha, ha, ha! Don't you find it quite apt that for that amount of of money, Rare's first game for Xbox is titled 'Grabbed By The Ghoulies'? It proves MS just paid for a whole load of b*ll*cks!
Killer Instinct and GoldenEye were Rare's greatest achievements, everything else they've done has been poor. Letting go of the guys behind GoldenEye (Free Radical) was Rare's biggest mistake. It proves that IP/brand is nothing, it is the staff which make or break a company and it is that staff which Rare should have invested in.
Who gives a damn about Kameo anyway?
Killer Instinct and GoldenEye were Rare's greatest achievements, everything else they've done has been poor. Letting go of the guys behind GoldenEye (Free Radical) was Rare's biggest mistake. It proves that IP/brand is nothing, it is the staff which make or break a company and it is that staff which Rare should have invested in.
Who gives a damn about Kameo anyway?
Autobot 4 Nov 2004 20:38
5/8
Well, in my opinion Microsoft didn't just buy Rare for there development genius. They bought Rare for 2 things. The first is to jab at Nintendo's best known developer and secondly to get very very popular brands out of the deal. If Rare can't prove its self as a worthy developer,Microsoft can gain instant revenue buy creating there own games with the franchises from Rare's catalog. Just think of Bungie making the next Perfect Dark game. Not just that, Microsoft could license out the titles so that other companies can make the games exclusivly for the XBOX. I'm sure companies like Sammy would make a great Killer Instinct title. Or Sega Making the next Banjo Kazooie game. There is where the possible income can come through after the costly buy out.
Pandaman 4 Nov 2004 22:55
6/8
If only people actually realized the state of Rare's development team...
Brown Force 5 Nov 2004 10:12
7/8
Why are people blaming this soley on Rare? Rare are one of the best developers there is. However its pretty obvious there is major problems between them and Microsoft. Not only is hard to start developing on a brand new console (to them) in the middle of its cycle. But having to work for another publisher who has completly different views as regards to gaming than Nintendo and themselves.
I honestly don't know what Microsoft are playing at. An idiot could make a major sucess out of Rare and that purchase would have been a good one if they just kept their noses out of the company and let them get on with making games. Instead its pretty obvious they have gone in there and told them what they want and definatly what they don't want. This is what happened with Grabbed By the Goulies and no doubt the case with Kameo, it no doubt didn't fall into the Microsoft style of game and fearing somthing different that wouldn't sell they demanded it be changed would no doubt be the reason for this and the mass exodus from Rare.
I'm a huge Xbox fan and I like almost all Microsoft Studio games...but the way they are handling Rare and other games is ridiculously stupid. I'm now seriously considering not buying an Xbox 2 now, I certainly will hate Microsoft if they ruin my favourite developer.
I honestly don't know what Microsoft are playing at. An idiot could make a major sucess out of Rare and that purchase would have been a good one if they just kept their noses out of the company and let them get on with making games. Instead its pretty obvious they have gone in there and told them what they want and definatly what they don't want. This is what happened with Grabbed By the Goulies and no doubt the case with Kameo, it no doubt didn't fall into the Microsoft style of game and fearing somthing different that wouldn't sell they demanded it be changed would no doubt be the reason for this and the mass exodus from Rare.
I'm a huge Xbox fan and I like almost all Microsoft Studio games...but the way they are handling Rare and other games is ridiculously stupid. I'm now seriously considering not buying an Xbox 2 now, I certainly will hate Microsoft if they ruin my favourite developer.
Kaxxx 5 Nov 2004 12:31
8/8
Rare were one of the best developers around until the cream of the crop jumped wagon to Free Radical Design. Still lots of talent left in the company but they are a mess now. Nintendo made an absolute fortune from selling them and they have been shadow of their former selves ever since.
Grabbed by the Ghoulies was a crock of s**te, Kameo may never see the light of day as its been pushed back again and the only decent title for the future is Conker, which is a remake of an old title.
Forget RARE, they were dead ages ago.
Grabbed by the Ghoulies was a crock of s**te, Kameo may never see the light of day as its been pushed back again and the only decent title for the future is Conker, which is a remake of an old title.
Forget RARE, they were dead ages ago.