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"Nintendo make it official - Rare's gone"

Thank you for your e-mail. Although Nintendo doesn't comment on rumors Or speculation by the media, we can tell you that Nintendo has made the decision not to request Rare to make any further exclusive games for the Nintendo GameCube. Although we're proud of our joint efforts with Rare Over the years and have enjoyed our relationship with them, in fiscal year 2001, Rare accounted for only 9.5% of total Nintendo software revenue worldwide. In fiscal year 2002, that number declined to 1.5%. Therefore, in evaluating our investments in developers, as well as the financial benefits to Nintendo over the years, we've decided it's in Nintendo's best interests to focus On diversifying our portfolio of developers and projects.
Star Fox Adventures, which was jointly developed by Rare and Nintendo, Will launch as scheduled on September 23rd and will remain exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube. Nintendo's other great franchise characters such as Donkey Kong also will remain exclusive to Nintendo.

We have no additional details to share on this issue at this time...

Sincerely,

Nintendo of America Inc.

All that actually says is Nintendo have decided to not ask Rare to make anymore exclusive games, there's still a small possibility of 3rd party games.

I take it you e-mailed them then?

:-D

Thank you for your e-mail. Although Nintendo doesn't comment on rumors Or speculation by the media, we can tell you that Nintendo has made the decision not to request Rare to make any further exclusive games for the Nintendo GameCube. Although we're proud of our joint efforts with Rare Over the years and have enjoyed our relationship with them, in fiscal year 2001, Rare accounted for only 9.5% of total Nintendo software revenue worldwide. In fiscal year 2002, that number declined to 1.5%. Therefore, in evaluating our investments in developers, as well as the financial benefits to Nintendo over the years, we've decided it's in Nintendo's best interests to focus On diversifying our portfolio of developers and projects.
Star Fox Adventures, which was jointly developed by Rare and Nintendo, Will launch as scheduled on September 23rd and will remain exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube. Nintendo's other great franchise characters such as Donkey Kong also will remain exclusive to Nintendo.

We have no additional details to share on this issue at this time...

Sincerely,

Nintendo of America Inc.