Banjo-Kazooie composer Grant Kirkhope has poured cold water on the hopes of a new game in the beloved franchise. Despite the recent resurgence of 3D platformers, Kirkhope expressed “zero hope” for a Banjo-Kazooie revival, believing it would likely face harsh criticism from die-hard fans regardless of its quality.

The original Banjo-Kazooie, released on Nintendo 64 in 1998, captured the hearts of gamers with its charming characters and engaging gameplay. Its sequel followed in 2000, along with two Game Boy Advance titles. The last entry in the series, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, launched on Xbox 360 in 2008.  The success of games like Astro Bot has rekindled discussions about classic 3D platformers, leading some to speculate about a Banjo-Kazooie return.

Kirkhope's pessimism stems from the perceived negativity surrounding Banjo's inclusion in Super Smash Bros. He believes the reaction to a new game would mirror the criticism leveled at the character's Smash Bros. debut, regardless of the game's merits.

His comments contrast with the optimism of Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler, who recently suggested a Banjo-Kazooie revival could rival 3D Mario games in sales.  With Rare, the original developer, now owned by Microsoft, and the renewed interest in 3D platformers, the possibility of a new Banjo-Kazooie game has been a topic of discussion.

This isn't the first time the idea of a Banjo-Kazooie revival has surfaced. Last year, Psychonauts 2 developer Double Fine dashed hopes of their involvement, stating their focus remains on original projects. While both Double Fine and Rare are under the Microsoft umbrella, Double Fine expressed more interest in developing their own IP than reviving dormant franchises like Banjo-Kazooie or Conker's Bad Fur Day.

Despite the challenges, the potential for a new Banjo-Kazooie game remains, fueled by the resurgence of the 3D platformer genre.  However, Kirkhope's skepticism serves as a reminder of the high expectations and potential pitfalls involved in reviving a beloved classic.