Ken Lobb joined Microsoft in early 2002 after having worked as a producer at Nintendo of America for several years. His current position as manager of Microsoft Studio X puts him in charge of a 60-strong team overseeing all the products in the works at Microsoft's firstparty developers. With Rare being the latest addition to this prestigious group, Mr. Lobb is very familiar with its forthcoming titles. Following below is our interview with Mr. Lobb on all things Rare.
More than half a year has now passed since Microsoft's much talked-about buy-out of Rare, but we have yet to witness anything from either party indicating that the collaboration is paying off. Is Microsoft satisfied with its investment in Rare so far?
Oh yea, and I'm really confident that you will be as well. E3 is the start of a great unveiling!
So in other words, it is safe to assume that everything is progressing as planned?
Better. They are a great company and are cranking better than ever!
From what we can understand, the acquisition was the result of numerous talks between Microsoft and Rare, but whose initiative was it to make it happen?
From my understanding, it was actually Rare that started the discussions.
What was your role in the whole deal?
A very happy view from the sidelines was the only role I played. Oh yea, and a few cheers in the right ears ("do it, do it!")
Because of your past work with Rare while at Nintendo, you are unarguably the one at Microsoft with the most insight into the developer. Surely someone must have asked about your opinion on the deal before it was set in stone.
Of course. However, you have to know that their past spoke for itself. Rare is a great company, and everyone at MS, especially those up there enough to make decisions such as this purchase, are obviously smart enough to know a great deal. My 'insight' could be summed up in one word to the question "Should we buy them?": "duh".
When exactly did you once again get involved in Rare?
About four months ago, I became the Studio Manager for Studio X. At that time, I was lucky enough to once again begin working with my best mates.
Does your current work with Rare differ from your past involvement with it during the Nintendo years, or have you more or less resumed your old duties?
It's really not that different. I just help them any way I can to support them in their quest to make the worlds best games. It's great fun!
The Stampers were the majority stockholders of Rare up until the Microsoft buy-out, which inevitably leads us to think that the freedom in development Rare had while with Nintendo has somewhat waned. How is the change of ownership reflected on the day-to-day work at Rare, if at all?
The Stampers and others in decision-making positions at Rare have at minimum as much freedom to create what they want and how they want, just as when we all worked for Nintendo. If anything, more so.
Rare is notorious for its perennial delays, doubtlessly a result of its never-ceasing aspiration for perfection. Is Microsoft planning on taking any measures to speed up the development of Rare's projects, or will its fondness for postponing release dates remain unaffected?
Perfection will always take priority, and this is really the overall goal of Microsoft Game Studios.
But how, then, is Microsoft so confident that it will stick to its bold promise of delivering at least five Rare titles for the Xbox within two years, which we presume that it still stands by?
We are working closely with them to deeply understand their schedules, more so than with Nintendo. At this time, I feel really good about the five games in two years topic. Really good, and really excited!
When should we expect to see the fruit of Rare's work on the Xbox? Kameo was scheduled for a spring 2003 release, but alas it is nowhere to be found.
Go to E3 to learn about the games. Thats all I have to say about the games and their current schedules.
Upon talking to Rare employees, we have noticed that Xbox Live is one of the features that excite the teams the most. Excluding Kameo, which should be in its final stages of development by now, will all the forthcoming Rare games feature online play?
All I'll say is that basically all of the folks I deal with at Rare are seriously hooked on Live. Major addiction. I'm with them there; Live is having a huge impact on what I play. I'm basically on Live every night, I have played several hundred games of Mech, Ghost, and Capcom vs. SNK 2. Really folks, you never know who you are playing with on Live. Most of the developers I know play at least a few times a week. Cool, eh?!
Is Rare making any games where an online connection is a requirement rather than a recommendation?
Sorry, again you'll have to ask that one at/after E3.
In what ways will Perfect Dark Zero become something more than just Perfect Dark with an online mode? Do you think that it will live up to the great expectations set by its precursor?
La de da... Live is damn good, isn't it?
Will Conker make an appearance at the impending E3 show?
Another game question. What, you think you are going to squeeze out an early answer if you keep asking from different directions? You forget I was trained by the Jedi Master Perrin!
When will Rare release Sabre Wulf and the other GBA games? The latest word was that it was still sorting out the publishing duties. Will Microsoft take part in those?
Stay tuned for more information. This game kicks ass!
Speaking of Sabre Wulf, what can you tell us about the series' first jaunt on the Xbox?
He was my second favorite character in Killer Instinct, and I've heard this was a great game back in the Ultimate days. You never know, do you?
Rare has a great habit of offering its devotees a rather comprehensive E3 showing. How many Xbox games is it expected to showcase at this year's event?
Enough. [smiles]
Lastly, do you have any reassuring words for the fans still uncertain about the greatness of Rare's upcoming Xbox offerings?
Have faith, fellow fans. Rare is better than ever, and you will believe it; the truth is mere days away! Damn, I love these guys, I love their games, and just for your info, I love your site. I'm looking forward to lots of happiness once you pick up your jaws at E3.
