Roger's Blog

By 2012, as a self-confessed Xbox fanboy and through numerous biz dev meetings at EA , I was well aware of the Kinect camera. Though we didn't sign any Kinect games in that period, its potential dominated countless conversations with developers eager to push the boundaries of innovation.

But when I became Chief of Staff at Xbox European Studios, I found myself working with the talented people at Rare on the development of Kinect Sports Rivals - the showcase Kinect game for the launch of Xbox One.

The Challenge of Innovation

Looking back, I have no idea how Rare pulled it off. The Kinect software changed daily, some levels were barely functioning, and one of the game’s biggest selling points - the ability to scan a player and create an avatar - was unreliable at best.

And yet they delivered something truly unique - a high-quality launch title on brand-new hardware, featuring some staggering gameplay moments. The Jet Ski level could have been a standalone game, and the wall-climbing sections pushed hand recognition to its limits, creating genuinely heart-stopping experiences.

Kinect Sports Rivals may have been overshadowed by the troubled launch of the Xbox One, but for me, it was a pivotal moment in my career.

How It Changed My Career

First, it was my first real experience working closely with a first-party development team and being involved in the launch of first-party hardware. I’m still incredibly proud of my “Ship It” awards for both KSR and Xbox One - I collected seven in total during my time at Microsoft.

Second, and perhaps more significantly, Kinect Sports Rivals introduced me to the second-generation Kinect camera. This eventually led to the launch of HoloLens in 2016, which completely transformed the second half of my career at Microsoft. I found myself running the HoloLens commercial program in Europe, leading a small internal development studio in London and spearheading the Mixed Reality Partner Program, which brought some truly groundbreaking Mixed Reality projects to life.

Its The People That Matter

Beyond the technology and career shifts, Kinect Sports Rivals introduced me to Rare.

Rare’s rural charm, combined with a strong, kind, and incredibly talented team convinced me that it is, without a doubt, the best workplace in the Games Industry. I mean that sincerely.

Rare’s generosity extended beyond me. I returned there several times later to judge internal competitions, to present what I was doing and even just for them to get my opinion on what they were doing. They welcomed my kids into their offices, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime experience with some of the legends of the industry. That day helped inspire my son to become a Game Designer—and this year, he’s about to launch his first game. For that, I will always be grateful.

One Thing Leads to Another

If there’s one lesson from all this, it’s that careers are rarely linear. Kinect Sports Rivals may not have been part of my long-term plan, nor was it a huge hit of a game. But it set off a chain reaction that shaped the next ten years of my professional life, leading me to HoloLens, Mixed Reality, and eventually Unity.

Never discount an opportunity just because it feels outside your comfort zone or doesn’t seem to fit at first. When a company with the resources of Microsoft is investing in something, you know it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

Kinect Sports Rivals was the beginning of a new journey in my career, one that led me to some of the most brilliant minds, most unforgettable moments and where I met some amazing work colleagues that I am proud to still call friends. 

With thanks: Phil Harrison, Craig Duncan, Adam Park, Jim Horth, Bjorn Toft Madsen, Andrew Wensley, Simon Woodroffe, Andy Bastable, Nick Burton, Pete Campbell, Andrew Dennison, Danny Isaac, Louise O’Connor, Callum Godfrey, Joe Neate, Adam Park, Richard Todd, Gregg Mayles, Scott Henson, Lee Schuneman, Dave Hobbs, Dave Hamlin, Dave Sullivan, David Millard, William Tian, Kieran Connell, Toby Allen