New Banjo-Kazooie Revival Possible as Rare Undergoes Leadership Changes

Rare, the legendary UK-based video game developer known for its groundbreaking work on the Nintendo 64, is once again in the spotlight following significant changes in its leadership.

The studio, celebrated for classics such as Banjo-Kazooie and Conker’s Bad Fur Day, recently saw former studio head Craig Duncan transition to a new role as the head of Xbox Game Studios.

This reorganization has raised industry-wide anticipation about the company's future direction—particularly with regard to the beloved Banjo-Kazooie franchise. According to respected industry journalist Andy Robinson of Video Games Chronicle (VGC), who maintains close ties with Rare staff, there is a marked shift in management’s openness to exploring a new installment in the Banjo-Kazooie series.

Robinson conveyed that recent internal changes have created an environment “massively more open” to the prospect of revisiting the classic platformer IP, a sentiment that should excite longtime fans and stakeholders alike. Banjo-Kazooie first launched on the Nintendo 64 in June 1998, quickly becoming a flagship title for the platform.

The game’s innovative mechanics, memorable characters, and whimsical design cemented its place as a cornerstone of 3D platforming and secured Rare’s reputation as one of the top game developers of its era.

Despite the passage of time and the departure of much of the original development team, Gregg Mayles—a key creative force behind Banjo-Kazooie’s success—remains with the studio in a senior leadership role. While many staff who contributed to the acclaimed Nintendo 64 titles have since moved on, Mayles' continued presence at Rare provides a vital link to the studio's celebrated past.

Mayles’ influence, paired with Rare’s increasingly collaborative approach under new management, positions the company well should it choose to revisit its storied back catalog. The potential to revive Banjo-Kazooie comes at a time when nostalgia-driven revivals and franchise reboots have seen commercial and critical success across the gaming industry.

Rare’s decision to maintain key talent and freshen its leadership could allow the studio to blend cherished elements from its hit Nintendo 64 games with modern development sensibilities—appealing to both dedicated fans and a new generation of players. No formal announcements regarding a new Banjo-Kazooie project have been made as of this writing, and Rare continues to support its live titles and portfolio under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella.

However, the renewed willingness from studio leadership to reconsider classic intellectual property indicates that the conversation surrounding Banjo-Kazooie’s return is more lively than it has been in years. For the latest updates and official announcements from Rare, Banjo-Kazooie fans and industry observers should watch for developments at future gaming events and on official news channels.

Banjo-Kazooie Rare UK Craig Duncan Xbox Game Studios Gregg Mayles Nintendo 64 Andy Robinson UK-based studio