Summary
According to Xbox insider Jez Corden, a newBanjo-Kazooiegame may not be in development after all. It’s been a long time since the last properBanjo-Kazooiegame, and fans of the titular characters have been hoping for a new title for well over a decade. Some are now starting to wonder whetherBanjowill ever make a comeback as the IP continues to collect dust.
The desire for a new 3DBanjo-Kazooieplatformer has only increased in recent years. As Xbox adds more and more first-party studios to its ranks,Banjofans have become more optimistic that the publisher finally has the necessary resources to make a new game. This optimism ballooned after Xbox’s Activision buyout, which added Toys for Bob, the studio responsible for the immensely popularCrash BandicootandSpyrofranchises, to its list of acquisitions. DespiteToys for Bob recently becoming independent, the studio is still partnering with Xbox for a new, unannounced game, heavily rumored to beSpyro the Dragon.
On a recent episode of the XB2+1 Podcast, well-known Xbox insider Jez Corden mentioned that anewBanjo-Kazooiegameis not currently in development at Xbox. This came after guest Parris Lilly made a strong case as to why Xbox should utilizeBanjoto create more family-friendly titles like its competitors PlayStation and Nintendo. Corden clarified that a newBanjotitle could happen in the future, but nothing is underway at this moment in time.
Jez Corden Says New Banjo-Kazooie Game Is Not In Development
Corden’s disheartening comment comes in contrast to recent reports from insider Nate the Hate, who stated that a newBanjo-Kazooiegame had been greenlit in early 2022 and recently rebooted development. With Nintendo continuing to crush the family-friendly platformer genre and PlayStation creating games like itshighly anticipatedAstro BotandLEGO Horizon Adventures, many Xbox fans feel that focusing on characters found inCrash, Spyro, andBanjomay give the brand a foothold in that market. Xbox may value theCrashandSpyroIPs more thanBanjo, as each has seen recent remasters and new entries.
If a newBanjogame does come along at some point in the future, it’s unclear whether it will be a sequel, a reboot, or a remake of the original game. Considering that it’s been over 20 years sinceBanjo-Tooie, many fans are expecting a reboot to make the most sense. DespiteBanjo-Kazooiestaying off the shelf for now, Xbox may have a new family-friendly platformer in store for fansin the form of a new IP from Double Fine.
Banjo-Kazooie
WHERE TO PLAY
The bear and bird’s first ever outing available in full. Loads of rollicking fun to be had here and with the legendary Stop N Swop feature reinstated. You’ll never look the same again at a jigsaw. There are no refunds for this item
