On IgnCube there's an insider story today "Rare-no more rumors, the full story"

[SearchManX]

Originally posted by burgundy
Perhaps. But that doesn't change my main point, which is that most people don't know who develops what, so I don't think Banjo-Whatever on the Box would cause any more of a stir than any third-party but previously Nintendo-exclusive franchise.

That's true, but Nintendo is a big exception because the majority of people who played B-K or Rare's other games were very young (10-15 range) and they are less likely to know what system to get. Coupled with the fact that their parents have no idea what console to get for the kids and how they think Mario is on every console, you can probably understand that Nintendo is keeping in mind their largest user base, which consists of younger kids with parents who buy any system that has the same games that little Billy's N64 had.

[burgundy]

Originally posted by SearchManX

That's true, but Nintendo is a big exception because the majority of people who played B-K or Rare's other games were very young (10-15 range) and they are less likely to know what system to get. Coupled with the fact that their parents have no idea what console to get for the kids and how they think Mario is on every console, you can probably understand that Nintendo is keeping in mind their largest user base, which consists of younger kids with parents who buy any system that has the same games that little Billy's N64 had.

If Nintendo cared all that much, they wouldn't be selling Rare. That market is going to buy the Nintendo console, regardless of what Banjo game comes out for the Box.

And I have no sympathy for people who can't read the console name on the DVD case.

And I also have to disagree with you on the age grouping. B-K was the only Rare game truly suitable for a younger gamer. DK was just too big, B-T and JFG too hard, and I don\'t even think you\'d argue CFBD, 007 or PD.

Well, DKR and Mickey Mouse Speedway are \"kiddie,\" but Rare isn\'t taking either of those anywhere.

[SearchManX]

Originally posted by burgundy
If Nintendo cared all that much, they wouldn't be selling Rare. That market is going to buy the Nintendo console, regardless of what Banjo game comes out for the Box.

Nintendo is letting Rare as a developer go, not necessarily their licenses. They were probably disappointed in Rare's development turnaround time, and figured that it can be better developed in the hands of another team. This probably isn't too much of a stretch considering Metroid Prime is being developed by Retro instead of within EAD.

Which again, is why Nintendo should fight tooth and nail for the franchise characters they can get.

And I have no sympathy for people who can't read the console name on the DVD case.

You may not, but Nintendo probably does. These are the people who spend money, whether they are idiots or not, money talks.

[burgundy]

Why would EAD develop Metroid Prime? They didn't develop any other Metroid game.

Otherwise, I guess you have a point. Although I don't know if Nintendo would farm out Rare franchises that have already been established in 3D on the 64 as opposed to a 3D Metroid which is virgin ground. Rare games are distinctive, love 'em or hate 'em. But I guess most consumers wouldn't notice the nuances, so it's a small point.