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Composer Says Multiple Studios Pitched New Banjo‑Kazooie but Were Turned Down

A recent change in Rare’s leadership and outside developer interest have slightly increased the odds of a revival.

Overview

  • This week composer Grant Kirkhope said he knows of “like three companies” that physically pitched new Banjo‑Kazooie games to Microsoft or Rare and that those pitches were not successful.
  • Kirkhope said Rare has a history of rejecting outside proposals and that the studio is likely too busy to build a new traditional Banjo platformer in‑house.
  • The composer said his view moved from “zero chance” to a “slight chance” of another game and that he would welcome involvement if a project moved forward.
  • Outside teams discussed as possible candidates include Toys for Bob, Day 4 Night Studios and Moon Studios, and GamesRadar+ noted recent native ports could let developers restore cut content or add bonus features.
  • No new Banjo‑Kazooie project has been announced and any revival would depend on Rare and Microsoft agreeing to an external developer or licensing arrangement.