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Rare co-founder Tim Stamper has recently announced that he's opening up his personal vaults to give fans a glimpse of the UK developer's amazing history – and his latest video quite literally blows off the cobwebs.
Stamper visits Rare's original headquarters at Manor Farm in Twycross, where the company was established after Tim and his sibling Chris sold Ultimate Play the Game, which had been based in nearby Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
In the footage, Tim and a mystery helper venture into one of the converted barns, which were used as development studios back in the day.
The 'Conker barn' is the subject of this particular video, and Stamper is shown rescuing a banner which has been in place for at least 27 years – that's when Rare left Manor Farm and relocated to its current, purpose-built base just a short drive down the A444.
The banner – which is covered in cobwebs, as you might expect – is removed from its position and then rolled up by Stamper, presumably to be preserved and shown off elsewhere.
It seems this was used as a promotional tool during live events, such as E3:
The Stampers were notoriously secretive during their time at Rare, and very few outside of the company got to see inside its development offices.
It's easy to see, then, why this footage is so exciting; while Manor Farm (which is still in the hands of the Stamper family, I'm led to believe) has clearly seen better days, just getting a small glimpse inside its hallowed halls is magical for me as a long-time Rare fan (and local boy to boot).