Gaming - News
Why Microsoft Won't Release Banjo-Kazooie 3
By SHAWN FARNER
Rare Is Occupied
Rare, the studio that developed “Banjo-Kazooie” at one point had three teams working on updates to Sea of Thieves, which means that a whole lot of the studio was focused on one product. Making an always-online living game takes development resources, and unfortunately, hat doesn't leave much left for a “Banjo-Kazooie 3.”
Microsoft Forsakes
Microsoft has many treasured franchises that haven’t seen new entries in well over a decade, including Xbox and Xbox 360 titles such as Amped, Crimson Skies, and Jade Empire. Microsoft now owns Rare and it seems content to let Rare’s history fade away just like Microsoft has done with much of its well-known IP.
A New Rare
Nintendo-era Rare was entrusted with some of Nintendo's biggest IPs, including Donkey Kong Country, Diddy Kong Racing, and Star Fox Adventures for the GameCube. When Rare joined Microsoft in 2002, it pivoted to trying to appeal to modern-day gamers, which means it won't be making another Banjo game.
Banjo Team Left
Some at Rare did not like the studio's new direction under Microsoft and many left the studio to pursue other opportunities. However, determined developers raised nearly $3 million via Kickstarter in 2015 to make the Banjo-Kazooie-style game Yooka-Laylee, which hardcore Banjo fans supported, but it didn't have much mainstream appeal.
3D Platformers Fail
Most 3D Platformers, such as Yooka-Laylee, Ratchet & Clank, and Super Lucky's Tale, have a muted reception except Mario, which always sells well. Banjo-Kazooie, unfortunately, will never overcome the market sentiment toward 3D platformers and that's just another reason why we'll never see a new one.
