The details:

  • Speaking to FRVR, Kirkhope's explanation for the rejections points squarely at Rare: "Rare just typically say no to everything." He says the studio would never revive the series themselves because they're too busy, but are also unwilling to hand the IP to an outside developer.
  • Among studios Kirkhope thinks could handle a new Banjo-Kazooie game is Day 4 Night Studios, the team currently developing Bradley the Badger, a spiritual successor in the same vein. That would require Rare to license the IP to a third party, which has so far not happened.
  • The franchise has been dormant since Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts in 2008, with Banjo and Kazooie's only notable recent appearance being as a DLC fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

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