Summary
The composer behind the 1998 Nintendo 64 platformerBanjo-Kazooiethinks that a revival of the series is unlikely, largely because of money. Despite ample fan interest in a new game, it remains unclear whetherBanjo-Kazooiewill ever find its way onto modern hardware in a new adventure.
Rare’sBanjo-Kazooieseries has been a staple of the gaming community since the release of the first title, finding both critical and commercial success. The most recent game in the franchise,Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, was released for the Xbox 360 in 2008, and many fans have long wondered when the eponymous bear-and-bird duo would make their next appearance. In 2024, VP of Xbox Games Marketing Aaron Greenberg made an unpopular post on Twitter, stating that “nobody cares aboutBanjo-Kazooie.” While Greenberg later clarified that his comment was sarcastic, it was a gut punch for many fans, who were suddenly met with the certainty that no third game was in development.
Composer Grant Kirkhope previously discussed hisdoubts about a thirdBanjo-Kazooietitle, and in a recent interview withEurogamer, he explained three reasons behind his reservations. The largest comes down to profit, as Kirkhope doesn’t believe that a new game would sell enough copies, despite ample support on social media. Additionally, he wonders if Rare has any interest in returning to the series, and if the studio handed the project to an outside company, it would need to be able to retain the series' memorable British humor. While a third game is still unlikely, Kirkhope made it clear that he would return to compose its soundtrack “in a heartbeat.”
Banjo-Kazooie Composer Doubts That Banjo-Kazooie Will Return
In April, developerToys for Bob expressed interest in working on a newBanjo-Kazooiegame, and earlier this year,Ori and the Blind Forestcreator Moon Studios also showed interest in reviving the franchise. The latter also made some bold claims, with CEO Thomas Mahler stating that a third game may “rival 3D Mario.” Rare may eventually decide to hand the IP to another studio, as it is currently busy withSea of Thievesand the upcoming action-adventure titleEverwild.
While a new game may not be in the works, fans can look forward toplayingBanjo-Kazooieon the Nintendo Switch 2. While the title is also available on the original Switch for those with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, N64 games on the Switch 2 will see some improvements and bonus features, including customized button mapping, a rewind option, and a retro filter for those eager for an added dose of nostalgia.
