Aaron Greenberg, Vice President of Xbox Games Marketing, recently made a very divisive statement (that didn't go down well with the public), and now he's responding.
Banjo-Kazooie was released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64. After Super Mario 64, the N64 got another great 3D platformer that is still loved by many people even today. It's no wonder, then, that Rare released the sequel, Banjo-Tooie, in 2000, to similar acclaim. Then came some spin-offs on the Game Boy Advance, and in 2008, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts arrived on the Xbox 360, but here, despite good reviews, the audience was no longer supportive of the game. The Banjo franchise never got a true, full third installment. (Yoka-Laylee can only be considered a spiritual continuation.)
Microsoft owns the IP and hasn't done much with it yet. Greenberg also spoke at a Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 event. There was a question here about which franchise audiences would like to see again in action. That's why one fan declared him Banjo-Kazooie. Greenberg's reaction to this was quite blunt: “No one cares.” Since this is a patently unprovable and, in fact, false claim, it's no wonder Greenberg had to respond on Twitter…
True, I know exactly how important Banjo-Kazooie is to our fans and gamers everywhere. It holds a special place in my heart, as I grew up playing these classic games. 💚🪕💚
– Aaron Greenberg 💚🪕💚 (@aarongreenberg) October 20, 2024
@JayWood2010 wrote that Greenberg's comment was more sarcastic
He would say and Greenberg wrote to him: “That's right. I know exactly how much Banjo-Kazooie means to our fans. It holds a special place in my heart, because I grew up with these classic games…” He explained how he understood what he said.
Both Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie have received an HD remaster and are available in the Rare Replay collection. (This bundle is still an Xbox One exclusive; where's the PC port?) Banjo and Kazooie also appear as downloadable characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. We've already heard many rumors about a third sequel, and Double Fine is definitely not working on it.
source: GameRant
