When you have rival companies embroiled in a licensing conflict over a classic N64 title, trouble is to be expected.

Nevertheless, Microsoft has now claimed that Nintendo holds "more than just influence" over the shelved FPS title, GoldenEye007. Rare's George Kelion quoted Microsoft when he said that that the people at Nintendo were "the ones who have prevented it from happening.” 

If that is indeed the case, then where does Activision fit into the picture? As the current holders of the James Bond license, Nintendo wouldn't have bothered pressing Activision for assistance; it would simply have canceled the project by itself.

In a case like this where politics and supposed money issues abound, one thing is for sure: regardless of who is actually responsible for the shelving of the GoldenEye 007 project, it's the players who have to suffer most.

Hopefully, the petitions of Major Nelson and the majority of players out there will get these companies to change their minds.