The head of Microsoft Game Studios, Phil Spencer, defended Rare as a valuable and important part of Microsoft’s future strategy for the Xbox gaming platform in a statement made to GameIndustry.biz. He was responding to comments published by The Guardian made by Peter Moore, former head of Xbox and current President of EA Sports. Spencer said ”Rare plays a strategic role in delivering games and platform experiences that will help the Xbox achieve our long-term strategy of expanding the customer base to a mainstream audience”.
Rare was praised by Spencer for their work in the upcoming desktop refresh for the Xbox console that includes a new personal avatar system as well as a new installment in the Viva Piñata series and for reinventing the Bajo-Kazooie franchise with an upcoming release. Spencer said that Rares work ”is indicative of the value they deliver to our business but proof positive to our partners and the industry at large of our commitment to this strategy and the platform’s continued success.”
