Rare is Working on New, "Ambitious" Projects, Microsoft VP Says

According to vice president Phil Harrison, Microsoft has big plans for Rare, the developer of popular franchises such as Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Pinata.

During an interview with Eurogamer, Harrison revealed that Rare has several projects in the works. He explains, "Rare is working on a couple of things at the moment, which we will announce at the right time. But I'm really excited by the things they're doing and I believe you will be as well when you hear them."

Harrison also put to rest concerns about the state of the developer. He promised that Microsoft would continue to support the studio that it bought in 2002. "I'm very happy to go on record to alleviate any of those concerns you might have," Harrison said. "Rare is an incredible talent and they have some very, very ambitious plans for the future and we're supporting them in every way we can."

Following the release of Rare's last game, Kinect Sports Rivals, the studio was hit by significant layoffs. As a result, concerns grew that Microsoft was pulling support from the developer.

In the past few years, Rare has been tasked primarily with games for Kinect. Its last three projects were Kinect Sports, Kinect Sports Season 2, and Kinect Sports Rivals. It is unknown whether the studio will continue to work on Kinect games in the future.