Rare evaluating what to do following Xbox One detach from Kinect

Following the announcement that Microsoft would start launching the Xbox One without a Kinect, some have wondered what the fate of Rare would become. Rare, a studio that produced titles such as Viva Pinata and Banjo Kazookie: Nuts and Bolts for the Xbox 360, transformed into Microsoft’s flagship Kinect studio, producing Kinect Sports, Kinect Sports 2.0 and Kinect Sports Rivals. However with the Kinect now being relegated back to an optional peripheral, some have wondered if Rare would disband or would develop titles independent of Kinect. Speaking to OXM, Phil Spencer stated that Rare is now in the process of deciding what to do next.

According to Spencer, “They just came off the successful launch of Kinect Sports Rivals. I think I’ve heard a few times from people asking about Rare – they’re in the process of evaluating what they want to do next, and we’re working closely with them to see what their new project will be.”

However, Spencer also emphasized that, ultimately, Rare was in control of their projects, not Microsoft. “I’ve also laughed when people have tried to use the word, what I “force” them to do – if you’re around any independent studio, or like Rare a studio that’s independent-minded, you’ll know that forcing a studio to do something is never a successful equation. So they’re free to look at all different kinds of opportunities, they always have been, and we’re having a great time trying to work out with them what their next game might be, but we have nothing to announce right now.”