Rare Founders Defect

The Stamper brothers leave Rare, the studio they co-founded.

Chris and Tim Stamper, the brothers who co-founded Rare in 1982, announced that they have left the studio to pursue other interests. Mark Bryant, a 19-year employee of the company, and Gregg Mayles, the creative director of Donkey Kong Country and Viva Pinata, will be replacing the brothers as Rare’s Studio Director and Creative Director, respectively.

This announcement comes shortly after the disappointing launch of Rare’s newest title, Viva Pinata. However, Microsoft contends that game sales did not effect their departure. 1Up was told that, “Chris and Tim have helped shape Rare into the world-renowned development studio that is it today and their impact on the videogame industry as a whole is well known. They are simply leaving to pursue other opportunities and we wish them luck in their future endeavors.”

After beginning life as a Nintendo third party developer with hits including Donkey Kong Country and Goldeneye, the England-based company was purchased by Microsoft in 2002 for $375 million. Since then, the studio has released five titles for the Xbox and Xbox 360. Rare’s next project is a new edition of Banjo Kazooie for the 360.