Rare restructures
"A small number of current positions could be lost," according to Microsoft
The gaming industry is not living apart from the world economic crisis, and as a result of it we’ve recently seen the shutdown of many relevant companies. Microsoft recently announced 5000 job cuts, which was translated in the closure of both Ensemble Studios (just before the release of Halo Wars) and ACES Studios (responsible of the Flight Simulator series).
Rare’s situation seems far from this scenario, but today has been announced that the company will probably face “a small number” of layoffs.
“As the entire industry struggles to address the increasing scale and cost of development, we too have felt a need to restructure our current approach so we can speed development and better manage the scale required to create high quality games,” stated Studio Manager, Mark Betteridge “With four projects recently underway, now is the right time to make this change,” he added, referring to the recent release of Viva Pinata Trouble in Paradise, Pinata DS, Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts and the design of the Avatars for the New Xbox Experience.
On the other side, Microsoft also had this to comment on the issue: “As we restructure to successfully execute against our shared strategy within this framework, we will be implementing a new approach to current projects in the pipeline that could serve as an industry-wide model for how to achieve a more efficient and scalable development process. In order to achieve these goals, the company is reviewing the current composition of its development teams and there is the possibility that a small number of current positions could be lost as a result of these changes.”
According to Microsoft, this will result on the company focusing their efforts on three main objectives:
- “Expand the Xbox 360 customer base by delivering experiences that allow our customers to interact with our content in new and innovative ways.”
- “Better support efforts to extend the appeal of Xbox LIVE as a social entertainment network to drive greater adoption across the Xbox 360 customer base.”
- “Continue delivering AAA gaming experiences that excite both our current and future customers.”
While points #1 and #3 sound as a new opportunity for Microsoft to back up Rare and their work, it’s noteworthy the express mention to Xbox Live, which could probably mean a greater support of Xbox Live Arcade titles.
This is not the first time Rare passes through a restructuring process. In fact, the company already faced some changes after the Microsoft buyout in 2002, when some projects were cancelled so the main ones could benefit of some extra internal support.
“Throughout its history, Rare has demonstrated a willingness to embrace new approaches and commitment to delivering game-changing experiences to our customers. This announcement is no different and builds on that tradition as we work with MGS to make interactive entertainment as culturally relevant in peoples lives as books, movies and television are today,” finally assured Betteridge.
From MundoRare, we want to express our best desires to all the Rare staffers.
Somehow related news
- Rare to acquire extra office space at Fazeley Studios ()
- Rare Engineers and Artists are compromised ()
- Rare to open a second studio facility in Birmingham ()
- Rare denies Blast Corps 2 and Jet Force Gemini 2 yet again ()
5 Comments
*Future news flash:
23 – 11 – 2009
Because of the on going financial crisis Microsoft is forced to give up in-house gameing devisions, starting with the departure of Rare!
Hope it will never get that far!
Comment by Perfect Dark 0 — 18.Feb.09 @ 11:44 am
oh dear good luck rare employees
Comment by harry — 18.Feb.09 @ 2:57 pm
Wow just when i thought there was hope for another perfect dark zero,…….. very dissapointed! 
might go to playstation now. NO HOPE FOR XBOX!
Rare esta quebrada, tarde o temprano regrasará a manos de Nintendo y mientras tanto tendrán que competir contra SEGA y todas las desarrolladoras, por lógica no pondrán acabar con Nintendo…..Eso les pasa por venderse al igual que Yahoo! se vendio, Donkey kong era el corazon de la empresa pero la mataron al desprenderse de Donkey Kong y destrozar respetable franquicia!
Comment by Anonimo — 28.Apr.09 @ 4:30 am
*pulls out hair* WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!!!!
Comment by Hudson — 18.Feb.09 @ 1:44 am