Strong rumours of a possible relationship between Rareware and Activision have been circulating around the net in the past few weeks. Computer and Videogames got hold of an industry insider and discovered a few important details. ''It's definite," said CVG's source. "It's a publishing deal, not a buy-out. Can you honestly see Nintendo intellectual properties appearing on other formats when they're making billions from exclusive IP's on Nintendo hardware?"

We certainly hope that this source is talking sense. But rumours are also escalating that Rare are set to release the sequel to Perfect Dark on the PS2. But why would Rare decide to code the game for the ageing and hard-to-program-for PS2? More money of course, but Nintendo own a major share in Rareware (49%) and I can't see them selling this gem of a development house anytime soon - and Nintendo surely wouldn't allow PD2 to be released on a rival console.

A Gamespot interview with Nintendo of America's very own Perrin Kaplan has delivered the strongest indication yet that Rare are not set to leave Nintendo. When talking about the designers on board at Nintendo, she commented 'We have lots of great artists and developers inside the company. HAL is a great company, Rare is great and Retro Studios-we've got some great talent.' All first party developers - and no hesitation about Rare being strongly allied with Nintendo.

When replying to a question concering Rare's alliance with Nintendo, Perrin replied 'Our good relationship with them continues and there aren't any changes at this time. Star Fox is well on track to come out and they're continuing to do their good work. We'll see what the future holds, but we've stayed very close to them and they to us and they definitely have done good work with us over the years.' 'So you don't see them making games for the PlayStation 2 or Xbox over the next couple of years?' Gamespot responded. 'You'd have to ask them. I don't foresee it, but you'd have to ask them.' No sign of a rift there.

Can you honestly see Nintendo giving up one of their prized assets to run-of-the-mill developer/publisher Activision? I really can't see it happening - but with enough dosh I wouldn't totally dismiss such an occurence. Highly unlikely. But where are these rumours coming from? I strongly doubt the rumours - but stranger things have happened. The official word from Nintendo is that Rare is very much a Nintendo first-party. So believe it until any, if any, contradictory statement is issued by the Big N or Rareware.