GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Xbox Boss Responds to GoldenEye 007 Xbox 360 Footage

"GoldenEye has always been a rights issue, not a 'getting code to run' issue."

170 Comments

Earlier this week, some footage of what was claimed to be an Xbox Live Arcade version of Rare's classic GoldenEye 007 emerged online. It looked wonderful and made us sad that it never came out.

Now, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has responded to it. Asked by someone on Twitter if the game was actually in development for Xbox 360 as was rumored, he didn't confirm either way. He did, however, say that getting GoldenEye on new platforms is a "rights issue."

"GoldenEye has always been a rights issue, not a 'getting code to run' issue," Spencer explained.

This may also explain why GoldenEye 007 was not featured in the 30-game Rare Replay package.

According to Unseen64, GoldenEye for Xbox Live Arcade was in development at Rare in 2007 and 2008. Microsoft, Activision (the James Bond rights-holders), and Nintendo apparently agreed to a publishing deal. However, Nintendo Japan is purported to have shut the project down for unknown reasons just months before its planned release.

Similar to the original N64 GoldenEye, developers at Rare reportedly had their faces scanned into the Xbox 360 version for all manner of side-characters like enemies and civilians.

Activision acquired the James Bond video game license in 2006. At the time, it was announced that the deal ran through 2014. A James Bond game from the makers of Kim Kardashian: Hollywood was released in 2015, though no new console or PC games have been announced.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 170 comments about this story
170 Comments  RefreshSorted By 
GameSpot has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to toxic conduct in comments. Any abusive, racist, sexist, threatening, bullying, vulgar, and otherwise objectionable behavior will result in moderation and/or account termination. Please keep your discussion civil.

Avatar image for LexLas
LexLas

7317

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

I would love to see this game back on consoles. A old version, with the new like the Doom series. I still do have the original, wish it was the gold cartridge. I wouldn't mind seeing it remade with up to date graphics. Not sure how it will play out with the new controllers, as the trigger old N64 controller was made for it.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Pupchu
Pupchu

977

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

One of the best fun games in console history ... and it wount be re-released... :(

4 • 
Avatar image for kryllic
Kryllic

52

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Just get Goldeneye: Source off of ModDB, it's totally free and has updated graphics and controls.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for westsiderz28
westsiderz28

670

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@kryllic: but no single player campaign

3 • 
Avatar image for kryllic
Kryllic

52

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@westsiderz28: ...yet

Upvote • 
Avatar image for deactivated-5861e28463500
deactivated-5861e28463500

117

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

People still care about Golden Eye 64? This game is not good at all... and I played it at the year it was released. Terrible controls!

3 • 
Avatar image for smokerob79
smokerob79

1750

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@ndmallmann: still one of the best FPS ever done....and it really started what MP became.....do you really think we would have COD online without it???

Upvote • 
Avatar image for LexLas
LexLas

7317

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

@ndmallmann: The controls were a bit wack, but you have to get used it and adapt. If you had to fly a alien spaceship, you would have to learn their way bud. Lol .. Just pretend now.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for juboner
juboner

1183

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

@ndmallmann: looks like someone could not adapt to the controls.

5 • 
Avatar image for deactivated-5861e28463500
deactivated-5861e28463500

117

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@juboner: Pfff... there is always someone blaming the player, not the god awful game.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for juboner
juboner

1183

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By juboner

@ndmallmann: Everyone I knew loved the MP. Everyone had to use the same controls and I think having them this way, allowed for people with better coordination, or whatever, too outmaneuver others. I'm guessing you played a lot more pc games at this time. The C directional buttons are not any different than a keyboard. I had a pc with ViperV330 (sometime soon after i got the 2d/3d voodoo gfx card Diamond banshee) card and still had more fun with GoldenEye. The presentation was much better than most FPS in general at this time.

2 • 
Avatar image for camou504
Camou504

720

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

@ndmallmann: speak for yourself. I've played it at launch along with my fam and friends and we loved it. I recently bought the n64 version off amazon and fell in love again. Also for a 1997 game it plays a lot better than system shock 2 which i am currebtly playing right now.

3 • 
Avatar image for deactivated-5861e28463500
deactivated-5861e28463500

117

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@camou504: You are probably overwhelmed by nostalgia. Did I say anything about System Shock? By the way... how good are the C buttons for aiming?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for NorseLax09
NorseLax09

720

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Edited By NorseLax09

@ndmallmann: the controls were fine for the time. Not many 3d FPS on consoles.

2 • 
Avatar image for Kougeru
Kougeru

208

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Game hasn't aged well anyway

3 • 
Avatar image for ChunkyDrawers
ChunkyDrawers

321

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Sad, this is still the best Bond game and still better than many fps games today

4 • 
Avatar image for deactivated-5861e28463500
deactivated-5861e28463500

117

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@ChunkyDrawers: Hmmm... No. Golden Eye 64 has one of the worst control mechanics ever put into an FPS game. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, don't let it control your opinions.

4 • 
Avatar image for smokerob79
smokerob79

1750

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By smokerob79

@ndmallmann: you just sucked at the controls.....i played it a couple of years ago on a emulator....even with the old graphics i dropped back in to it like i played it just yesterday.......

Upvote • 
Avatar image for deactivated-5861e28463500
deactivated-5861e28463500

117

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@smokerob79: No, I did not suck. The controls WERE horrible. C buttons to aim is a good control scheme? Are you kidding me?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for StokeMeAClipper
StokeMeAClipper

291

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

DAMN DAMN DAMN DAMN DAMN!!!!! DAMN! When I saw this article in my inbox, I though maybe this situation had been resolved and there was hope for GoldenEye to come to modern systems. Unfortunately, N64 is one of the consoles that emulation isn't great for and can be a right pain in the hole (having to hunt down specific plugins for certain games or having to use a particular emulator for certain games).

If in future there is an N64 emulator that plays the games I'm interested in without a hitch or having to go through a lot of hassle it would be great. Until then, I'll keep my fingers crossed that the rights issues that have kept this game from being ported get resolved.

Rights issues with games is my biggest pet hate. There are a bunch of games I'd be happy to pay for again to play on modern consoles/operating systems. I'm just thankful that there are people that spend time creating emulators that enable us to play the games that can't or just don't get ported. Keeping vintage consoles is impractical for a lot of people (myself included), especially if it is for a handful of games, so I see emulators as a necessity for those of us who still love old games.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for DantheMan9856
DantheMan9856

332

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Edited By DantheMan9856

wow, release this game nintendo and rare. Nintendo needs to get with business...they have been MIA for nearly 10 years. Agreements can be worked out. This isn't 1996 where competition is at a high and agreements were stingy...There is leeway now-a-days...just give folks what they want for once. lol

Upvote • 
Avatar image for clutchmcb
ClutchMcB

6

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@DantheMan9856: It's just Rare, it's not Nintendo. They didn't even release it on the Wii Virtual Console.

2 • 
Avatar image for littlebitsofgaming
Littlebitsofgaming

20

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@clutchmcb: no, it's Nintendo.

Why do you think GE wasn't on the Rare Reply collection from last year?

Rare wanted to include it but Nintendo wouldn't allow it.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for colbster
colbster

565

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 7

User Lists: 0

Give Nintendo a cut and release it on the Wii U as well as XBLive. They could use the profits.

2 • 
Avatar image for blackamerica
blackamerica

566

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

too bad

Upvote • 
Avatar image for TheArcade
TheArcade

1598

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

We need a kickstarter for this. Pay Nintendo of Japan whatever they ask for to allow the project to go forward.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for nintendoboy16
nintendoboy16

41535

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 43

User Lists: 14

Edited By nintendoboy16

@TheArcade: It's not just Nintendo. MGM is also an obstacle.

2 • 
Avatar image for Shin_Gallon
Shin_Gallon

316

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Once again, licensing BS keeps people from getting something awesome.

"Hey, if we released this it'd be a license to print money for everyone involved, why don't we do it?"

"Reasons."

"Fair enough."

4 • 
Avatar image for colbster
colbster

565

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 7

User Lists: 0

Edited By colbster

@Shin_Gallon: I want to find the lawyers holding this back and shoot them with a Klobb

2 • 
Avatar image for whatsazerg
whatsazerg

1151

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Shin_Gallon: No one can agree on which slice of the pie they should get, so the pie sits on the kitchen counter and rots in front of them.

5 • 
Avatar image for nintendians
nintendians

5394

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 139

User Lists: 0

Edited By nintendians

Nintendo did this for a reason, because even they get the hd version of goldeneye 007, the wii itself wouldn't output video signal to 1080p, let alone 480p. i think back then, it was a smart choice, considering xbox 360 specs. are superior to wii specs.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Kruiz_Bathory
Kruiz_Bathory

4765

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 15

User Lists: 0

Edited By Kruiz_Bathory

Pardon the bad memory, but wasn't there a GoldenEye PSN game that worked with move?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for kirkyeehee
kirkyeehee

30

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Kruiz_Bathory: You're thinking of the Activision remake which featured Daniel Graig as Bond, and not the Original GoldenEye from Rare on the Nintendo 64 that featured Pierce Brosnan as Bond.

4 • 
Avatar image for Kruiz_Bathory
Kruiz_Bathory

4765

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 15

User Lists: 0

@kirkyeehee: thanks

2 • 
Avatar image for Purpledust
Purpledust

346

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

Nintendo at it again

3 • 
Avatar image for colbster
colbster

565

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 7

User Lists: 0

@Purpledust: This is why they lose 450 million a year. Stupid shit like this. http://www.polygon.com/2014/5/7/5690124/nintendo-posts-456-million-annual-operating-loss

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ello432
ello432

510

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

@colbster: the article you are referring to is 2 years old try something a little more up to date http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/7/8564943/nintendo-profit-fiscal-year-2015-financial-results

3 • 
Avatar image for crashchaos
crashchaos

296

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Speaking of GoldenEye, I really liked the GoldenEye remake that came out in 2010 for the Wii U and Xbox 360. I keep hoping they will port it to the PC one day.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for goodemon
goodemon

435

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 10

User Lists: 0

Gamers these days wouldn't appreciate the goldeneye. I remember when the goldeneye game Activision released a couple years back got all this hate, even though it was pretty close to the original.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for deactivated-5861e28463500
deactivated-5861e28463500

117

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@goodemon: Golden Eye was overrated at the time of its original release.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Erebus
Erebus

1331

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 12

User Lists: 0

@ndmallmann: Until the three other people in the room picked up controllers. Sure, you could have done it better with about $6000+ worth of equipment for a PC LAN party, or less than 10% of that with your Nintendo.

The experience of GoldenEye on N64 was unmatched for almost EVERYONE.

4 • 
Avatar image for deactivated-5861e28463500
deactivated-5861e28463500

117

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Erebus: Mario Kart 64 was way better for couch coop. Golden Eye was fun for about 15 min (hand combat) and that's it. Worst FPS mechanics ever put into an FPS.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for smokerob79
smokerob79

1750

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@ndmallmann: mario kart was fun but i never sat and played it until 4 in the morning getting drunk like i did with golden eye many times.......we get it you sucked at the controls and got smoked a lot.......

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ozzmarkk
ozzmarkk

877

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@ndmallmann: Ok... you don't like the game. We got it already!

2 • 
Avatar image for asmoddeuss
asmoddeuss

623

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 34

User Lists: 0

@ndmallmann: I actually think the opposite, best FPS ever, also mechanics. Golden gun in the bathroom was awesome, also proximity mines :D and more. Sorry you didn't like it, but me and my friends love it.

3 • 
Avatar image for smokerob79
smokerob79

1750

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@asmoddeuss: loved the hell out of that game......

2 • 
Avatar image for Smosh150
Smosh150

3050

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

@goodemon: Close is pretty subjective I'd say. The gameplay mechanics and pace were far different than that of the original. Wasn't too terribly bad a game though.

3 •