Viva Piñata

Chris and Tim Stamper, two original founders of Rare have left the company "to pursue other opportunities," according to 1UP. The brothers helped to create the studio responsible for great titles like Goldeneye 007, Perfect Dark, and Viva Piñata. Although reports indicate that Viva Piñata is suffering from lackluster sales, Microsoft insists that the brother's departure is unrelated.

Is Rare suffering because of their child-like content? Should they be producing more violent games like Goldeneye and Perfect Dark? I loved Viva Piñata, but I can see why the average Xbox 360 owner would be reluctant to buy it because of its colorful visual style.

Mark Betteridge and Gregg Mayles, two long-time Rare employees, will replace the brothers.

Microsoft announced its official holiday lineup for Xbox 360 and Windows at X06, the company's annual industry event. Topping the list is Gears of War, the gritty 3rd person action title from Epic Games, to which we gave our Best of E3 2006 award. Another among the headlining titles is, Viva Piñata, a game that transports kids and adults to Piñata Island to play in paradise with 60 different Piñata animals. A new animated TV show on 4Kids TV began on September 9th and licenced merchandise will go on sale in 2007. I bet you just can't wait to attend a party themed with Viva Piñata plates, napkins, and... um piñatas. Check out the full list of holiday games after the jump.