Toys for Bob has expressed interest in working on Banjo-Kazooie, with studio leaders describing Rare’s platforming series as one of the team’s favourite franchises. The comments came during an interview with Kinda Funny Games, where the developers also discussed the possibility of future Crash Bandicoot and Spyro crossovers, the origins of Crash Team Rumble and the current state of the 3D platforming genre.
When asked whether Banjo-Kazooie had ever been discussed internally, the developers made it clear the series holds a special place within the studio.
“It’s a franchise we love,” the developers said. “As platformer fans, Banjo’s top of the heap.”
The developers added that several members of the team are dedicated fans of the series, saying, “We have some huge, huge fans of that franchise on our staff. I’m talking they’ve got the Jiggy as their profile pic kind of a thing.”
Although they stopped short of suggesting any project is in development, the developers said, “If the opportunity ever arose, that’d be amazing.”
The developers also described Banjo-Kazooie as one of the timeless mascot platformers that continues to inspire the team. “I think of them as timeless,” the developers said. “We call it the inner child. Those are wonderful games. We’re huge fans.”
Crash and Spyro Crossover Ideas Remain Appealing
The developers also spoke about the possibility of revisiting Crash and Spyro crossover games. While they confirmed nothing is currently planned, they said the studio would welcome the opportunity.
“We adore both of those characters, both of those franchises,” the developers said. “If the opportunity presented itself, I’m sure we would take on the challenge.”
The developers also acknowledged that combining the two series would present design challenges because of their different gameplay styles.
“Crash is all about limitations and specificity, whereas Spyro is all about freeform,” the developers said. “It would take a heck of a thought to figure out.”
Asked about a possible return for Crash Bash, the developers said there were no current plans but did not dismiss the idea.
“I don’t know. That’s an interesting one,” the developers said. “I think that’s a toss to the comments. Is there an appetite for it?”
They noted that Crash Team Rumble explored some of those multiplayer concepts, adding, “We kind of scratched a bit of that itch internally with Crash Team Rumble. But never say no.”
Crash Team Rumble Started Before Crash 4
The developers also revealed that Crash Team Rumble was not created in response to publisher direction or industry trends.
“We actually started prototyping that before Crash 4,” the developers said.
According to the developers, the goal was to create a multiplayer experience that captured the feel of Crash Bandicoot platforming rather than turning the series into another racing or party game.
“There was this notion of, ‘Can we get that feeling of platforming in a multiplayer space in a way that’s never been done?'”
They added that the project reflected the studio’s long-standing interest in designing unique playable characters with distinct movement and abilities.
A Bright Future for Platformers
The developers also welcomed what they see as a renewed interest in mascot platformers.
“I don’t know about a golden era,” the developers said. “But it’s a resurgence. Definitely.”
They pointed to the success of Astro Bot, the return of Rayman and the growth of independent platformers as encouraging signs for the genre, adding, “The more the merrier.”
The developers also discussed the benefits of working with established characters, saying, “They have a timeless quality. They have a foundation. They have an audience that is vocal about them.”
