Summary
Aaron Greenberg, VP of Xbox Games Marketing at Microsoft, has clarified a controversial comment made about theBanjo-Kazooiefranchise. The firstBanjo-Kazooiegame was released in 1998 as a Nintendo 64 exclusive. A 3D platformer taking its cues fromSuper Mario 64,Banjo-Kazooiequickly became a beloved classic of the genre and is still remembered fondly to this day.
Rare followed upBanjo-Kazooiewith2000’sBanjo-Tooie, which earned similar acclaim from fans and critics. A couple of Game Boy Advance spin-offs followed, withBanjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Boltshitting the Xbox 360 in 2008 to mostly positive reviews but a polarizing reception among fans. Many seemed to agree that whileBanjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Boltswas a great game in and of itself, it was far too much of a departure from the establishedBanjo-Kazooieformula 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.
Xbox hascontrol of theBanjo-KazooieIP, yet a third game still has not been made. At a recent event forMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024, Greenberg reportedly said, “Nobody cares aboutBanjo-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 muchBanjo-Kazooiemeans 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 newBanjo-Kazooiegame sinceNuts & Boltsreleased in 2008, but the IP hasn’t been completely dormant. HD remasters ofBanjo-KazooieandTooiehave been released individually and as part of theRare Replaycollection. Plus, Banjo and Kazooie have beenadded to theSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateroster 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 thirdBanjo-Kazooiegame is in development, though it’s unclear which studio is making it. All we know for sure is thatDouble Fine is not making the newBanjo-Kazooiegame, 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 newBanjogame 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 newBanjo-Kazooiegame, and the comment about no one caring about the series was made sarcastically.
Banjo-Kazooie
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