Banjo-Kazooie Composer Sees a Slight Chance for Banjo-Threeie Despite Past Rejections

AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer · Wed Sep 02 2026

Legendary composer Grant Kirkhope believes a new Banjo-Kazooie game has a slight chance of happening under new studio leadership, though multiple external pitches have already been rejected by Microsoft and Rare.

Grant Kirkhope, the legendary composer behind the iconic soundtracks for Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong, believes a long-awaited sequel is slightly more possible today than it was in previous years. In an interview with FRVR, Kirkhope noted that while he used to think the chances of a new entry were zero, recent leadership changes at Rare and Xbox have shifted his perspective. He suggests that the studio's updated management might eventually prove more receptive to letting an outside team handle a revival.

At the same time, turning nostalgia into a reality remains a steep uphill battle. Kirkhope revealed that at least three separate companies have already pitched Microsoft and Rare on developing a new Banjo-Kazooie game, and all of them were turned down. Since Rare is currently tied up with other projects and modern Xbox leans heavily into established internal priorities, external studios face a tightly locked door even if the corporate climate is slowly evolving.

Even with the hurdles, the appetite from both creators and players is clearly still there. Developers like Toys for Bob have previously expressed clear interest in tackling the classic platforming duo, much like they did with Crash Bandicoot and Spyro. If the stars ever align for Banjo-Threeie, Kirkhope made it clear he would gladly return to score the adventure, keeping hope alive for a community that has waited nearly three decades for a proper follow-up.

Tags: Banjo-Kazooie, Xbox, Platformer, Gaming News, Toys for Bob

Original article: Eurogamer