Microsoft developer Rare has suffered layoffs after the recent release of Xbox One exclusive Kinect Sports Rivals failed up to expectations according to Eurogamer. Multiple, separate sources indicated to Eurogamer that the studio, which has focused on the Kinect Sports series in recent years, had recently suffered layoffs.
A Microsoft spokesperson issued Eurogamer the following statement this afternoon:
“At Xbox, our goal is to constantly create new fun, social and interactive entertainment experiences. As part of Rare’s commitment to this goal, we have made a decision to change our development process and methodology at Rare to best support our future projects, this has led to us reviewing the skills and the makeup of our development teams in our business.
“Rare continues to invest in our people and future projects.”
Microsoft did not confirm how many people had been let go, but according to Eurogamer around 16 people were let go, which were some software staff, but mainly design and project managers. Kinect Sports Rivals had 150 people on the project. source Eurogamer
