After successfully breathing new life into Crash Bandicoot with four recent installments and launching Spyro: A Realm Beyond, Toys for Bob has signaled that another classic platformer is on their radar. During an episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, developers from the studio confirmed they have a deep passion for reviving the Banjo-Kazooie series.
A ‘top of the heap’ priority
When hosts brought up Banjo-Kazooie, the Toys for Bob team did not hesitate to express their enthusiasm. They described the franchise as one they love, calling it ‘top of the heap’ among platformers. The developers noted that several staff members are die-hard fans, with some even using Jiggys—the iconic collectible items from the game—as their profile pictures.
The studio emphasized that if the opportunity ever arose to work on Banjo-Kazooie, it would be ‘amazing.’ They view the characters as timeless and iconic, fitting perfectly with their philosophy of creating games that appeal to a player’s ‘inner child.’
A long drought for the duo
The desire for a new entry is understandable given how long fans have waited. The last mainline Banjo-Kazooie game was released in 2008 with Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, which shifted away from the series’ traditional 3D platforming roots toward open-world vehicle building and racing. That change divided fans, leaving many longing for a return to form.
Since then, Banjo and Kazooie have made very few appearances. Their most notable recent outing was as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch in 2019. Aside from that crossover appearance, the duo has been largely absent from new gaming releases for over five years.
Toys for Bob’s track record with revivals
Toys for Bob has proven capable of handling beloved retro franchises. Their work on Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time and the upcoming Spyro: A Realm Beyond shows they understand how to modernize classic gameplay while respecting the source material. The studio previously fought hard to secure independence and greenlight a new Spyro game, demonstrating their willingness to champion properties they believe in.
While Microsoft owns the Banjo-Kazooie IP through its acquisition of Rareware, there has been no official announcement regarding a new project. However, with Toys for Bob now part of the Xbox ecosystem and vocal about their fandom, the possibility of a collaboration feels more tangible than before.
What this means for you
If you grew up playing Banjo-Kazooie on the Nintendo 64 or GameCube, this news offers a glimmer of hope. Toys for Bob has the technical skill and creative passion to potentially deliver a modern platformer that honors the original games’ charm. While nothing is confirmed yet, the studio’s public enthusiasm suggests they would welcome the chance to bring Banjo and Kazooie back to their platforming roots.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Do you trust Toys for Bob to handle a new Banjo-Kazooie game, or would you prefer another studio take on the franchise?
