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By Rare accounts, 2007 is the year to "just walk away." Microsoft recently confirmed that Chris and Tim Stamper, co-founders of the U.K. studio Rare and responsible for innovative hit games such as Donkey Kong Country, Goldeneye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, Conker, Kameo: Elements of Power, and, most recently, Viva Piñata, have quit the company after more than 20 years.

Originally an independent and then Nintendo's exclusive "second party" darling, Microsoft purchased the coveted development house back in 2002 in an effort to diversify the Xbox game line up. Microsoft announced that the brothers Stamper handed in their walking papers in order to "pursue other opportunities," that 19-year Rare vet, Mark Betteridge, will now lead the company as Studio Director while Rare "creative force" Gregg Mayles will serve as Creative Director.