Banjo-Kazooie: chance of a new sequel grows
Intelligence Summary
- Grant Kirkhope, the Banjo-Kazooie composer, is hopeful about a new game in the franchise despite earlier rejections.
In short
- Grant Kirkhope believes the odds of a new Banjo-Kazooie game have risen slightly.
- Rare has turned down pitches from three different companies for a new game.
- Rare’s current workload makes it unlikely the studio will develop a new platformer itself.
GAME-scanner analysis
Grant Kirkhope, the iconic composer behind the Banjo-Kazooie series, has recently shared his thoughts on the franchise’s future. He says the chances of a new game, often referred to as Banjo-Threeie, have increased slightly. That’s a notable shift, since Kirkhope previously felt there was no chance of a sequel. Rare’s rejection of pitches from three different companies suggests a lack of interest or capacity within the studio to develop a new title. That may be partly due to Rare being busy with other projects, making it harder for a new Banjo-Kazooie game to get off the ground.
Kirkhope’s optimism may also stem from changes within Microsoft and Rare, especially after the recent departure of Craig Duncan, the former head of Rare. That could create a new dynamic and potentially make the company more open to discussing a new Banjo-Kazooie game. The question remains, however, whether those changes will actually lead to a new title, especially given the rejection of earlier pitches.
What does this mean for players?
For Banjo-Kazooie fans, the news that there is at least some hope for a sequel is encouraging. The franchise has strong nostalgic value, and many players would love to see a new game that captures the charm and adventure of the originals. Still, despite Kirkhope’s optimism, there is still plenty of uncertainty about whether a new game will actually be developed.
Timeline
1998: Banjo-Kazooie launches on Nintendo 64.
2000: The sequel Banjo-Tooie is released.
2008: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts launches for Xbox 360.
2023: Grant Kirkhope shares renewed hope for a sequel, despite earlier pitch rejections.
2026: Craig Duncan leaves his role as head of Xbox Game Studios, which could affect Rare’s future.