The Rare pair have left the studio to pursue other opportunities.

Rare Ltd. founders Chris and Tim Stamper have left the studio to pursue 'other opportunities',it can be revealed today.

Since leaving Nintendo around four years ago, the studio has received mixed criticism for several of its titles, which include Perfect Dark Zero and Grabbed by the Ghoulies. Microsoft have claimed that the departure of the Stamper Bros. has absolutely nothing to do with the success of its titles, including "under-selling" Viva Pinata.

Whilst talking to 1UP, Microsoft said: "Chris and Tim have helped shape Rare into the world-renowned development studio that is it today and their impact on the videogame industry as a whole is well known. They are simply leaving to pursue other opportunities and we wish them luck in their future endeavors."

This has certainly come as a shock to us all. We wish the Stamper Bros. the best of luck in the future, and a big thank you for all the goodtimes that they have brought to gamers all around the world.