Banjo-Kazooie Revival Could Challenge Nintendo’s Platform Dominance

The gaming industry might be ready for a major shake-up in the platformer genre, according to Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler. The executive behind the acclaimed Ori series believes that a properly executed Banjo-Kazooie revival could potentially match the commercial success of Nintendo‘s 3D Mario franchise.

This bold statement comes at a time when Xbox faces a noticeable gap in family-friendly 3D platformers within its first-party lineup. While Nintendo continues to dominate this space and PlayStation succeeds with franchises like Ratchet and Clank, Xbox’s most recent contribution to the genre was Psychonauts 2 in 2021.

Mahler’s comparison to Nintendo’s success isn’t without merit. Super Mario Odyssey, released in 2017, has achieved remarkable sales figures exceeding 28 million copies. The Moon Studios CEO suggests that a new Banjo-Kazooie title could potentially reach similar heights, marking a significant opportunity for Xbox in the family-friendly gaming market.

The discussion also revealed an interesting “what-if” scenario regarding Moon Studios’ own trajectory. Mahler shared that had their partnership with Xbox continued beyond the Ori series, they might have ventured into developing a 3D Ori game. The studio has since moved on to create No Rest for the Wicked, an isometric action RPG.

Xbox currently holds several options for developing a new Banjo-Kazooie title. The original developer, Rare, is currently occupied with Sea of Thieves and the development of Everwild. Double Fine, despite their platforming expertise with Psychonauts 2, has expressed interest in focusing on original IPs. Meanwhile, Toys for Bob, now an independent studio but still partnering with Xbox, remains a potential candidate given their experience with similar franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro.

The form of a potential Banjo-Kazooie return remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a remake to a complete reboot. Xbox head Phil Spencer’s recent acknowledgment of fan interest in the franchise has sparked renewed hope among the gaming community. The industry will be watching closely during Xbox’s Summer Game Fest showcases for any potential announcements regarding the beloved bear and bird duo.