Summary
- Xbox has control of the Banjo-Kazooie IP, but a third game has not been made since Nuts & Bolts in 2008.
- Greenberg's comment that "Nobody cares about Banjo-Kazooie" was clarified as sarcastic on Twitter.
- Insiders disagree about whether a third Banjo-Kazooie game is in development.
Aaron Greenberg, VP of Xbox Games Marketing at Microsoft, has clarified a controversial comment made about the Banjo-Kazooie franchise. The first Banjo-Kazooie game was released in 1998 as a Nintendo 64 exclusive. A 3D platformer taking its cues from Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie quickly became a beloved classic of the genre and is still remembered fondly to this day.
Rare followed up Banjo-Kazooie with 2000's Banjo-Tooie, which earned similar acclaim from fans and critics. A couple of Game Boy Advance spin-offs followed, with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts hitting the Xbox 360 in 2008 to mostly positive reviews but a polarizing reception among fans. Many seemed to agree that while Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts was a great game in and of itself, it was far too much of a departure from the established Banjo-Kazooie formula and its focus on vehicle-building has made many regard it as a disappointment, especially since there's never been a proper third entry in the series to this day.
Banjo-Kazooie Fan Finishes Decompilation Project
A Banjo-Kazooie fan finishes a decompilation project for the Nintendo 64 platformer that will allow others to create a PC port of the game.
Xbox has control of the Banjo-Kazooie IP, yet a third game still has not been made. At a recent event for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Greenberg reportedly said, "Nobody cares about Banjo-Kazooie" in response to a fan who shouted it out when the audience was asked about game franchises they'd like to see make a comeback. Greenberg has since taken to Twitter to clarify that his comment was sarcastic. "I absolutely know how much Banjo-Kazooie means to our fans and gamers everywhere," Greenberg said. "It holds a special place in my heart, growing up playing these classic games."
Aaron Greenberg Explains Banjo-Kazooie 'Nobody Cares' Comment
Microsoft has not announced a new Banjo-Kazooie game since Nuts & Bolts released in 2008, but the IP hasn't been completely dormant. HD remasters of Banjo-Kazooie and Tooie have been released individually and as part of the Rare Replay collection. Plus, Banjo and Kazooie have been added to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster as DLC guest fighters. Fans no doubt appreciate these things, but many are anxious for a proper third entry in the series.
Luckily, there have been rumors that a third Banjo-Kazooie game is in development, though it's unclear which studio is making it. All we know for sure is that Double Fine is not making the new Banjo-Kazooie game, and so, if it does exist, it will be interesting to see who's making it and what shape it ultimately takes. Other insiders have denied the rumors that a new Banjo game is in development, though, so fans should keep their expectations in check. Regardless, fans can rest assured that Microsoft is at least well aware of the demand for a new Banjo-Kazooie game, and the comment about no one caring about the series was made sarcastically.
- Released
- June 28, 1998
- ESRB
- E for Everyone
- Developer(s)
- Rare
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
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
