Microsoft's Peter Moore was recently interviewed on the Newsweek blog talking about everything from the British sense of humor to the launch titles of the Xbox 360. This week's installment of N'Gai Croal's interview feature's Moore's take on Chris and Tim Stamper's departure from Rare and what this means for the future of the company:

Chris and Tim have been tremendously loyal to Microsoft since the acquisition of the company. They've been behind everything we continue to do. Certainly Viva Pinata, both of them were instrumental in their own way of getting Viva Pinata up and running. Their legacy will live on with Banjo-Kazooie. The time had come after many, many years of service to Rare that the founders move on and do something different. We wish them nothing but the best. They've put us in great position with Gregg Mayles and Mark Betteridge to come in and step up.

After buying Rare, Microsoft has yet to see the former glory the team was known for prior to the purchase. Moore cited Viva Pinata as a success for the company, adding, "I first saw Viva Pinata in 2003, as they were starting to concept the whole thing out and prototype it out. So don't underestimate the long-term ability of Rare to continue to have a positive effect on the Xbox 360 and further platforms in the future." Dude, they're pinatas. They're not supposed to last long. Kim Phu

The Peter Moore Interview, Part III [Level Up]

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