Rare is evaluating what to do after Kinect, says Phil Spencer

Xbox head Phil Spencer confirms Microsoft is working closely with U.K. developer Rare to evaluate the studio's future now that Kinect peripherals are optional for Xbox One systems, OXM reports.

Despite the studio's history developing GoldenEye 007 and Donkey Kong Country, Rare was retooled as a flagship Kinect studio, releasing its first Kinect project Kinect Sports in 2010. Rare continued with this franchise, releasing Kinect Sports: Season Two and Kinect Sports Rivals.

"[Rare has] just come off the successful launch of Kinect Sports Rivals," said Spencer. "I think I've heard a few times from people asking about Rare — they're in the process of evaluating what they want to do next, and we're working closely with them to see what their new project will be.

"And I've also laughed when people have tried to use the word, what I 'force' them to do — if you're around any independent studio, or like Rare a studio that's independent-minded, you'll know that forcing a studio to do something is never a successful equation. So they're free to look at all different kinds of opportunities, they always have been, and we're having a great time trying to work out with them what their next game might be, but we have nothing to announce right now."

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced plans to release a Kinect-less Xbox One for $399. The package will be available in all markets where Xbox One is sold, and is slated to launch on June 9.