Rare was only partially owned by Nintendo. They had no choice in letting Mircosoft over pay. But what they paid is irrelevant. What matters is value. Being that MS was willing to let Bungie leave I am guessing they are putting serious thought into how they want their developers to line up for the next console. Are they going to waste their time money and effort with Rare as a second party or would someone else better fill that role?
MS has seemingly unlimited money but they do want to turn a profit. If ongoing costs for a project don't make it worthwhile dump it.
Final* Word on Game Delays:
The game will not be any better or include more content then planned. Any commnets that say so are just PR hogwash to make you feel better for having to wait.
Delays are due to lack of proper resources, skill, or adequate planning by the developer.
Do be thankful that they have enough respect for you to delay the game and maintain its intended level of quality.
*naznatips is exempt
