The story of developer Rare is undoubtedly one of the most tragic downfalls in all of video game history. How could the developer behind iconic titles like Goldeneye and Killer Instinct, now be working on Xbox Live avatars and motion-centric sports games? According to former Rare employee Donnchadh Murphy, it's all Microsoft's fault.
In an interview with Not Enough Shaders, Murphy explained that after Microsoft purchased the studio, the team was looking forward to creating Killer Instinct 3, only to be shot down by the Big M. "We all wanted to make KI3, but Microsoft [was] more interested in broadening their demographic than making another fighting game. So it never got made, I doubt it ever will,” he said.
Murphy went on to speak directly to the relationship between Rare and Microsoft, saying that Microsoft's need for control didn't mesh well with Rare's desire for a bit more freedom. "Personally I don’t think it was a great mix. At first it seemed that they wouldn’t interfere much, but it was soon clear that they were more interested in using Rare to help aim at a younger market" he added. "This stifled a lot of creativity, Rare was renowned for their diverse portfolio, so to not be involved in making Mature games was a real blow.”
What a shame. What a crying shame indeed.
[Via]
