(Image credit: Nintendo / Rare)
This week’s significant layoffs at Xbox’s Rare have affected thousands, including many at the Sea of Thieves studio. The upheaval included the cancellation of Everwild, a project in development for many years. However, even with these cuts, Rare remains open to pitches for a Banjo-Kazooie revival, attracting interest from developers seemingly perfect for the cherished bird and bear characters.
During the VGC podcast, reporter Andy Robinson revealed that recent conversations have surfaced about bringing back the legendary N64 platformer Banjo-Kazooie. Despite the years gone by, the game has maintained a loyal fanbase.
Of particular interest are certain developers eager to rejuvenate the googly-eyed duo. Robinson mentioned that Toys for Bob—noted for their work on Crash Bandicoot 4 and the Spyro remake—are keenly interested in the project. Surprisingly, Moon Studios, creators of Ori and the Blind Forest, have also shown enthusiasm for the series. Additionally, there is ongoing speculation about potential expansions into cartoons or movies.
This development is noteworthy as Rare has been previously committed to developing new, original games, explaining the long hiatus from creating a sequel. Andy Robinson remarked, “The sentiment for years was consistent outside interest in Banjo, but Rare was focused elsewhere.” He noted that Gregg Mayles, a former director who left following recent layoffs, famously expressed a preference for new ventures rather than revisiting past successes.
While Moon Studios continues to refine its action RPG No Rest for the Wicked, Toys for Bob is already developing a new project with Xbox. Given their history, another Crash or Spyro title seems plausible. However, their transparent interest in Banjo-Kazooie leaves room for exciting possibilities.
As we watch these developments unfold, take a look at the new games of 2025 that are already in the pipeline. Stay tuned for weekly updates and stories from your favorite gaming communities.