Rare Has Microsoft's Support and New Games in Development

Microsoft has promised it is continuing to support Rare following its decision to stop bundling Kinect with Xbox One.

Microsoft Studios Europe chief Phil Harrison told Eurogamer that despite the recent round of layoffs to hit the former Banjo-Kazooie developer, Microsoft has no plans to abandon the studio.

"I'm very happy to go on record to alleviate any of those concerns you might have," he said. "We are very fortunate in having Rare and Lionhead in the UK as crown jewels of Microsoft Studios.

"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 about them.

"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."

Last we heard, Rare was apparently re-evaluating what projects to pursue following the decision to stop bundling Kinect with new Xbox One consoles, seeing as most of the studio's recent work was linked to the Kinect Sports franchise.

For now though, it seems if you're looking for your Rare fix you'll have to make do with Conker's upcoming appearance in Project Spark.

Source IGN