Stamper

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  • Splitsville for Rare

    by 
    Alisha Karabinus
    Alisha Karabinus
    01.03.2007

    Two of Rare's founders have called it quits with the company, and the internet is all abuzz with talk of Rare ... and Nintendo. Microsoft bought Rare back in 2002, and the devs carried one of the most-hyped launch games for the 360, but it's still the association with Nintendo that lingers when people mention the company. So it's not surprising, particuarly with Diddy Kong Racing just around the bend for the DS, that people have begun to speculate about what happens now. All anyone knows right now is that Chris and Tim Stamper left Rare for "other opportunities." That doesn't begin to answer any of the questions about what this means for Rare and Microsoft, or Rare and Nintendo, or even just the Stampers themselves. What led to the departure? Rare's last few efforts, while at times critically acclaimed, have not exactly brought home the bacon, and the situation surrounding E3 2004, DS dev kits, and Microsoft's denials make it seem as though there might have been a disconnect between the development company and their new bosses. We'll keep an eye on this story as it develops -- if it develops -- and what it might mean for Nintendo.

  • Rare founding bros bounce, vets fill in

    by 
    James Ransom-Wiley
    James Ransom-Wiley
    01.02.2007

    Four years after their studio was acquired by Microsoft, Rare co-founders Chris and Tim Stamper are calling it quits. Microsoft has denied speculation that the brothers' departure is due to poor sales of Viva Piñata or the string of generally disappointing titles since the $377 million buyout. Exactly where the Stampers will land next has yet to be disclosed.Rare veterans Mark Betteridge and Gregg Mayles will take over as studio director and creative director.