Xboxis producing more games now than it has for some time. The games coming out of Xbox Game Studios are also incredibly diverse, bringing many pastXboxfans back into the fold. It’s an exciting time to be a fan, with more and more Xbox games rolling out month to month. This wave of enthusiasm has led these fans to start speculating about the return of some Xbox franchises that have been on hiatus.
In an interview with Kotaku,Xbox Boss Phil Spenceris asked directly to comment on the possible return of classic Xbox franchises likeBanjo-KazooieandConker.Spencer obviously isn’t going to make a random game announcement in an interview, but he does acknowledge the idea being shared. He makes clear that fans are routinely contacting him about franchises that have been left behind. Spencer specifically mentioned getting asked aboutCrimson SkiesandBlinx.
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Spencer doesn’t have an answer to the question, however. While he acknowledges that he consistently receives feedback regarding variousolder Xbox franchisesbeing brought back, he doesn’t confirm any actual plans to revisit older franchises. That doesn’t mean that the possibility isn’t there, of course. After all, a newFableis currently being developed by Playground, so there’s a path to creating reboots of old franchises within Xbox, and there is hope – even for Blinx.
And to be fair to Spencer, he does hint at what’s necessary for an old franchise to return in his response. Since he was asked aboutBanjo-KazooieandConker, Spencer’s response is framed around Rare. “I leave it up to the studios in terms of the things they want to go work on,” is what Spencer says, making clear that project plans come from the studios and not from Spencer himself. While he may be asked about bringing franchises back, it’s perhaps the studios that fans should talk to first.
At least inBanjo-KazooieandConker’s cases, Rare seems unlikely to revisit them anytime soon. Spencer explains how Rare likes “building new things,” and points to the recent success ofSea of Thieves. Then he notes thatRare is already working on a new project inEverwild. The studio has its hands full with both of those ongoing projects being worked on.
Ultimately, whether or not Banjo-Kazooie will return in the nebulous future is a complete mystery. But to say that Xbox is ignoring its past would be a misrepresentation. The return ofFable, the recent reboot ofBattletoads, andrumors about aPerfect Darkgameshow how everpresent Xbox’s past is with consideration to its future. Fans just need to let Xbox and its studios know what they want.Blinxmay be asking too much, though.
TheXbox Series Xreleases November 10.
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