Even after laying off about 9,100 employees and cancelling projects, Microsoft is looking to the future. Aside from the 40+ titles already in development, it’s reportedly taking pitches for new ones, including, surprisingly enough, Banjo-Kazooie.
VGC’s Andy Robinson said on the site’s recent podcast that he “heard more recently that pitches are being listened to” for reviving the platformer. The last title was Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, which received mixed reactions for deviating away from what made the series so beloved.
That’s not all, as Robinson has heard of a few high-profile developers who allegedly want to head up a new project. “I heard constantly the name that comes up is Toys for Bob, who really wanna do one. Funnily enough, I heard Moon Studios, as well, was another one who’s really interested.” While the former is known for Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time!, the latter is renowned for the Ori series and is currently working on an action RPG, No Rest for the Wicked.
He noted that there’s “always talk about interest” for a cartoon or movie on Banjo-Kazooie. However, despite “talk for ages” about “outside interest,” Rare was seemingly more keen on making new properties. Gregg Mayles, who was directing the cancelled Everwild and worked at the studio for 35 years before leaving, was a huge proponent of looking forward.
Whether a new Banjo-Kazooie title is greenlit remains to be seen, especially given Microosft’s development troubles thus far. Stay tuned for updates, as always.
