What If Rare Had Never Been Sold to Microsoft?

In the interconnected world of video game development, companies often acquire other studios to expand their portfolios or gain access to valuable ...

intellectual property. One such acquisition that sparked curiosity among fans and industry analysts was Microsoft's purchase of British studio Rare in 1998. This blog post explores a "what if Rare had never been sold to Microsoft?" How would the video game landscape have changed, and what impact would this have had on both Microsoft's Xbox platform and other gaming giants like Nintendo and Sony?

1. Sub-point 1: The Acquisition: A Brief Overview
2. Sub-point 2: Impact on Rare Post-Acquisition
3. Sub-point 3: Implications for Microsoft’s Xbox Platform
4. Sub-point 4: What If Scenario for Other Gaming Giants
5. Conclusion: The Importance of Unique IP and Development Studios

1.) Sub-point 1: The Acquisition: A Brief Overview

In 1998, Microsoft acquired Rare, a renowned British developer known for games such as "Banjo-Kazooie" and the "GoldenEye" series. This acquisition was part of Microsoft's strategy to expand its presence in the gaming industry and compete with other platforms like Nintendo’s Super NES and Sony’s PlayStation. The deal was worth around $37 million at the time, a significant investment for Microsoft given that it had not been involved heavily in game development previously.

2.) Sub-point 2: Impact on Rare Post-Acquisition

A. Creative Influence and Loss of Identity

Immediately after the acquisition, there were concerns about how Microsoft's influence would affect Rare’s creative output. Some feared that under Microsoft's guidance, the studio might lose its unique identity and focus more on developing games for a mass market rather than catering to niche audiences or hardcore gamers who appreciated Rare’s previous titles.

B. Financial Stability and Growth

On the other hand, the financial stability provided by Microsoft could have allowed Rare to take bigger risks and invest more in ambitious projects that might not have been feasible otherwise. This could include developing new IPs or exploring unique gameplay mechanics that were not typical for a first-party Xbox game.

3.) Sub-point 3: Implications for Microsoft’s Xbox Platform

A. Competitive Landscape

Without Rare, Microsoft would have had to rely more heavily on its internal development teams and possibly look outside the industry for acquisitions or partnerships to bolster its portfolio of exclusive games. This could have forced them to shift their focus towards genres that align better with their existing game types.

B. Game Diversity

The absence of Rare might have necessitated a greater variety in Microsoft’s lineup, potentially including more RPGs, strategy games, or other genres that were less prevalent under the Xbox brand before the acquisition. This could diversify the platform but also pose challenges in establishing strong franchises and appealing to core gamers who might prefer first-party exclusives with unique IPs like Rare’s did.

4.) Sub-point 4: What If Scenario for Other Gaming Giants

A. Nintendo and Sony

Without Microsoft’s acquisition of Rare, Nintendo and Sony would have faced a slightly different competitive landscape. Without the loss of such an influential studio, both companies might not have felt as much pressure to innovate within their own ecosystems or acquire other studios with unique IPs. This could mean that Nintendo might still be focusing on franchises like Mario and Zelda without having to expand into new genres or Sony relying more heavily on first-party exclusives from smaller studios rather than acquiring large ones.

B. Development of Alternative Studios

Without the acquisition, alternative paths for Rare’s talent could have emerged, potentially leading to the rise of other successful indie developers in the gaming industry who might not have been influenced by Microsoft's corporate strategy. This could result in a more varied ecosystem where each platform has its own distinct set of games and development houses.

5.) Conclusion: The Importance of Unique IP and Development Studios

In conclusion, while it is impossible to know for certain how the gaming industry would look without hindsight, examining what might have happened if Rare had not been sold to Microsoft provides valuable insights into the crucial role that unique IPs and independent development studios play in shaping a platform's identity and competitiveness. The loss of such a storied studio like Rare could be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for other platforms to redefine their strategies, potentially leading to greater diversity and innovation within the industry.

What If Rare Had Never Been Sold to Microsoft?