'I'd Certainly Love to Do It' Banjo-Kazooie Composer…

Summary

Banjo-Kazooie composer Grant Kirkhope doubts that the series will return, largely due to financial concerns.
Developer Rare has not shown interest in making a third game, though other studios have.
However, if a third game is made, Kirkhope says he would love to return.

The composer behind the 1998 Nintendo 64 platformer Banjo-Kazooie thinks that a revival of the series is unlikely, largely because of money. Despite ample fan interest in a new game, it remains unclear whether Banjo-Kazooie will ever find its way onto modern hardware in a new adventure.

Rare's Banjo-Kazooie series 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 about Banjo-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.

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By Charming Holiday

Composer Grant Kirkhope previously discussed his doubts about a third Banjo-Kazooie title, and in a recent interview with Eurogamer, 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, developer Toys for Bob expressed interest in working on a new Banjo-Kazooie game, and earlier this year, Ori and the Blind Forest creator 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 with Sea of Thieves and the upcoming action-adventure title Everwild.

While a new game may not be in the works, fans can look forward to playing Banjo-Kazooie on 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.

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