Xbox is producing more games now than it has for some time. The games coming out of Xbox Game Studios are also incredibly diverse, bringing many past Xbox fans 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 Spencer is asked directly to comment on the possible return of classic Xbox franchises like Banjo-Kazooie and Conker. 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 about Crimson Skies and Blinx.
Spencer doesn't have an answer to the question, however. While he acknowledges that he consistently receives feedback regarding various older Xbox franchises being 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 new Fable is 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 about Banjo-Kazooie and Conker, 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 in Banjo-Kazooie and Conker's cases, Rare seems unlikely to revisit them anytime soon. Spencer explains how Rare likes "building new things," and points to the recent success of Sea of Thieves. Then he notes that Rare is already working on a new project in Everwild. 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 of Fable, the recent reboot of Battletoads, and rumors about a Perfect Dark game show how everpresent Xbox's past is with consideration to its future. Fans just need to let Xbox and its studios know what they want. Blinx may be asking too much, though.
The Xbox Series X releases November 10.
Source: Kotaku