Banjo Kazooie revival finally on the horizon, Xbox boss teases

We really hope Xbox isn’t playing with our emotions right now, as it seems that a Banjo-Kazzoie revival could be on the way.

You’ll recall that it was only earlier this year that it seemed that any chance of future games from this franchise was dead in the water, after a group of the original devs voiced their doubts over a comeback. It was grave news indeed, yet it seems it’s news that may no longer be true.

Speaking of beloved franchise returning, don't miss the new Fable showcase trailer!

During an interview with Windows Central, Xbox’s Phil Spencer said, “Banjo fans, I hear you.” It’s such a short sentence, yet one loaded with so many possibilities. Perhaps our hope is allowing our imaginations to run away here, but there are few reasons for Xbox to specifically draw attention to the franchise unless they intend to do something with it. Still, what that something is is unknown.

The response came after Spencer was asked about the Xbox ecosystem, within which sits a lot of untapped potential from beloved series. “You've seen from our history that we haven't touched every franchise that people would love us to touch [...] But it is true that, when we find the right team and the right opportunity, I love going back to revisit stories and characters that we've seen previously,” admitted Spencer.

It’s been 15 years since the last title in the Banjo-Kazooie franchise – Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts – and since a lot of fans were divided on that game, it could be argued the wait has been even longer than that. What is more, Xbox loves revising old franchises, as we’ve seen with a new Fable title on the way after being without its warm embrace for years now.

When there’s a will, there’s a way, and Xbox seems to be saying it has that way. Now we just need official confirmation that a revival is on the horizon and Christmas will have truly arrived early.