Microsoft plans on bringing back classic franchises such as Banjo-Kazooie, Battletoads, Viva Piñata, and more "someday," according to Microsoft Studios' Creative Director Ken Lobb.
"Will there ever be another Banjo, Viva, Blast Corps, Battletoads? Yeah, someday," Lobb said during an interview on The Inner Circle Podcast. Lobb added that there is a lot of passion for each of these franchises internally at Microsoft.
Lobb emphasized the importance of building games people love by digging back into older IP, while also developing more recent sequels. However, he wants to make sure Microsoft is able to find developers that are passionate about each IP, saying, "The best games come from teams that really wanna build something."
The creative director also praised Xbox Head Phil Spencer's understanding of an IP's value. "Not just in terms of, 'let's go make a new one every year.' But in terms of, 'let's go think about the portfolio and what makes the most sense at the right time.'"
Rumors about popular Rare franchises returning have circulated following Microsoft's trademark filing for Battletoads and Rare's composer teasing a "huge" year for the developer. According to Lobb, Microsoft secured the trademark because it knows the title holds value.
"Does that mean it's coming this year? No. Does that mean it’ll never come? Absolutely not."
Another franchise Lobb spoke of was the spiritual successor to Goldeneye, Perfect Dark. "We have these discussions all the time about 'hey, what should we bring back.' Perfect dark and Joanna dark is in that discussion a lot."
Lobb did clarify that, at this time, a Perfect Dark game is not in development. He did, however, suggest if the series were to return, it would possibly be as a third-person shooter or stealth game. He added he would like to see more of a focus on story and the game's protagonist, Joanna Dark.
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