"Stamper brothers leave Rare - Co-founders of Microsoft development house part ways w

[GoatMother]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6163684.html

More than two decades ago, brothers Chris and Tim Stamper co-founded Rare with company president Joel Hochberg. The pair stuck with the company from its days developing NES games like R.C. Pro Am and Wizards and Warriors through its rise to prominence with the hit Nintendo 64 shooter GoldenEye, and its eventual sale to Microsoft, which has so far yielded efforts like Perfect Dark Zero, and Viva Pinata.

The Stampers' time at Rare is over, as Microsoft today confirmed a 1Up News report that the brothers have parted ways with the developer to pursue other opportunities. The publisher thanked the pair for their contributions to the studio and wished them luck in their future endeavors.

As for who will spearhead the company's development going forward, Microsoft is promoting from within. Mark Betteridge, a Rare employee of 19 years, will serve as Rare's studio director, while Gregg Mayles, "the creative force" behind Donkey Kong Country and Viva Pinata, among other titles, has been named Rare's creative director. Mayles will be responsible for overseeing all of the company's development as well as the creation of new intellectual properties.

Rare's next project is a new installment in its 3D platformer franchise Banjo Kazooie. Set for release on the Xbox 360, the game was originally announced at Microsoft's X06 press conference.

[D_Litch]

Maybe Rare will get back to their old ways under new managment. Viva Pinata is the best thing Rare has done since Perfect Dark 64, I would love to see more games of its caliber.

[MadBryan]

I think the point is the old ways just left