Xbox VP Addresses Controversial Banjo-Kazooie Comment

Xbox VP Addresses Controversial Banjo-Kazooie Comment

Key Takeaways

  • 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.

As a gamer who grew up with the magic of Banjo-Kazooie, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation whenever this iconic duo is mentioned. The first time I played Banjo-Kazooie back in 1998 on my trusty Nintendo 64 was a moment that forever changed my perspective on gaming. The adventure, the humor, the charm – it was all there, wrapped up in a delightful package that still holds up to this day.


Aaron Greenberg, Microsoft’s Vice President of Xbox Games Marketing, has provided further explanation regarding a contentious statement about the Banjo-Kazooie series. Launched in 1998 as an exclusive for Nintendo 64, Banjo-Kazooie is a 3D platformer inspired by Super Mario 64, and it swiftly gained popularity as a cherished classic within the genre. Its enduring appeal remains strong among fans to this very day.

After the success of Banjo-Kazooie in the late 90s, it was followed by Banjo-Tooie in the 2000s, which garnered similar praise from both fans and critics. Several spin-offs for Game Boy Advance came afterward, with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts launching on Xbox 360 in 2008, receiving generally positive reviews but dividing fans due to its departure from the traditional Banjo-Kazooie formula. Many felt that while Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts was a solid game, it strayed too far from the original series, with its emphasis on vehicle creation being a significant point of contention. This disappointment was heightened by the lack of a proper third installment in the series to date.

Although Xbox owns the rights to the Banjo-Kazooie series, no new game has been developed yet. At a recent Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 event, Greenberg reportedly made a tongue-in-cheek comment about Banjo-Kazooie when asked about revived game franchises. “Apparently nobody cares about Banjo-Kazooie,” he said, in response to a fan’s shoutout. However, Greenberg later clarified on Twitter that his statement was sarcastic and expressed his fondness for the series, stating, “I am well aware of how much Banjo-Kazooie means to our fans and gamers everywhere. It holds a special place in my heart, as I grew up playing these classic games.

Aaron Greenberg Explains Banjo-Kazooie ‘Nobody Cares’ Comment

Since 2008, when the last new “Banjo-Kazooie” game, “Nuts & Bolts,” was released, there hasn’t been an announcement of a new installment in the series. However, the franchise has not been abandoned entirely. Remastered versions of both “Banjo-Kazooie” and “Tooie” have been published separately and as part of the “Rare Replay” collection. Additionally, Banjo and Kazooie have made appearances in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” as downloadable characters. While fans are happy with these developments, many are eagerly waiting for a new main game in the series.

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Fortunately, whispers are circulating about a potential third installment of the beloved game, Banjo-Kazooie, though the studio behind it remains uncertain. At this point, Double Fine Productions has confirmed they’re not involved with the new Banjo-Kazooie project, leaving us curious about who will be creating it and what form it might take. However, some industry insiders have dismissed these rumors, so fans should maintain a cautious outlook. Still, it’s reassuring to know that Microsoft acknowledges the interest in another Banjo-Kazooie game, and the previous statement about no one caring was made sarcastically.

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2024-10-21 01:03