It has been 23 years since Microsoft acquired Rare for $375 million, an investment aimed at acquiring iconic franchises like Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Perfect Dark. However, a recent comment from Chris Seavor, creator of Conker, revealed that some of the Microsoft executives who made this decision were not fully informed about the video game industry. During a visit to Rare’s offices, one of them expressed his excitement upon seeing a series of Donkey Kong posters, exclaiming: “This is awesome! We own Donkey Kong, right?”.
They were not the owners of Donkey Kong
This misunderstanding surprised Seavor, who had to correct the executives about the ownership of the iconic franchise. Although Rare developed successful titles of Donkey Kong, such as Donkey Kong Country, the rights to the license have always belonged to Nintendo, which had allowed Rare the opportunity to work with the character. This highlights the disconnect that can sometimes exist between executives of large corporations and the specific environment of their acquisitions.
The confusion, although surprising, is not entirely unusual in such a dynamic sector that is often unexplored by those who are not fans of the world of video games. Microsoft, by investing in Rare, sought to strengthen its catalog during a time when it was competing with other platforms and needed franchises that would attract a broader player base. Despite the mistake, Rare proved its worth by generating memorable titles that left a mark in the history of gaming.
As of today, Donkey Kong remains one of the most beloved franchises among players and is an integral part of Nintendo’s strategy, which has also explored its potential in cinema.
