Xbox Should Take Inspiration from Astro Bot and Focus on Developing Platformers

December 12, 2024, was a milestone evening for the gaming world. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the 10th annual Game Awards received widespread applause across the internet. If you’re not familiar, the show has faced criticism in the past for prioritizing advertisements over giving game developers the spotlight they deserve.

Last year had its own dramatic moment when a teleprompter in the theater bluntly instructed award recipients to “Please Wrap it Up.” This moment quickly caught on online, but judging by the changes this year, it seems Keighley and The Game Awards heeded the feedback from viewers.

This year’s Game Awards 2024 was a delightful surprise from start to finish. Fans were treated to groundbreaking announcements like Elden Ring Nightreign, a cooperative rogue-like twist on FromSoftware’s acclaimed Souls-like gameplay. The crowd was buzzing online, particularly about Split Fiction from Hazelight Studio. This title builds on their previous success, It Takes Two, which snagged Game of the Year back in 2021. If you’re one for big reveals, this year’s show did not disappoint.

A highlight of the event was the shift in focus, offering developers more screen time. Swen Vincke, the head honcho at Larian Studios, took the stage with a thought-provoking talk. Known for Baldur’s Gate 3, which won Game of the Year in 2023, Vincke shared insights on what makes a game truly resonate with the audience. His candid reflection on industry pitfalls rang out, as highlighted in a clip shared online by Rurikhan.

Another unexpected moment came when Team Asobi and Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Astro Bot won Game of the Year 2024, beating out major contenders like Black Myth: Wukong. An impressive hit with 18 million sales in the first month and crowned with the “Player’s Voice” award, Black Myth: Wukong seemed like the frontrunner. However, the win by Astro Bot, which built on gaming’s rich history, resonated well with both critics and players. It signals a message loud and clear to Microsoft and Xbox—despite an array of genres, Xbox still lacks that one critical piece of Sony’s captivating puzzle.

Astro Bot stands out as a masterpiece in third-person platforming, drawing direct inspiration from Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers. Its design is simple yet flawlessly melds elements from Super Mario 3D World and Sunshine, spiced up with a Pikmin-like collection of fellow Bots throughout diverse levels. Iconic Bots, from Kratos of God of War to Crash and Aku Aku from Crash Bandicoot, enrich the game, creating a stunning tribute to PlayStation’s rich legacy over 30 years.

In an era where Sony has carved out a niche with realistic, cinematic narratives in action-adventure games, Astro Bot is refreshingly different. Its fun, engaging style makes it accessible for gamers of all ages—a crucial gap that Microsoft and Xbox have yet to bridge in their catalog.

Microsoft boasts critical franchises like Age of Empires and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Yet, curiously, despite harnessing around 40 game studios, it hasn’t launched a major budget, third-person platformer recently. This omission is puzzling, considering they own classic IPs waiting for revival.

June 11, 2019, was a momentous day when Banjo and Kazooie were unveiled as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fighters. Given developer Rare’s acquisition by Microsoft in 2002 and the last release of Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts n Bolts in 2008, this surprise delighted fans nostalgic for this iconic series. With the demand clear, it begs the question of why a new Banjo-Kazooie game isn’t already in the works.

Banjo Kazooie remains a promising option for Microsoft—its light-heartedness appeals to basics. Yet, Conker the Squirrel’s edginess could also hit the mark. Though known for mature-rated titles, the series started with a family-friendly identity on Nintendo’s Game Boy Color in 1999.

While Banjo-Kazooie stopped short after Nuts & Bolts, and Conker gained a following through Bad Fur Day, both series maintain a dedicated fan base. The challenge for Microsoft lies in choosing the right path for revival, balancing nostalgia with innovation.

However, if Microsoft aims to recreate Astro Bot’s magic, its acquisition of Double Fine in 2019 opens doors. Released in 2021, Psychonauts 2 positioned Double Fine in the spotlight, thanks to Microsoft’s support. With new projects underway, Double Fine might just hold Xbox’s next great platformer triumph.

In case that doesn’t pan out, Microsoft could leverage its Toys for Bob partnership. Known for Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon remakes, they might capture nostalgic joy reminiscent of Astro Bot with a modern twist. Reimagined classics like these would provide a rejuvenated platformer suitable for all ages.

Bombastic hits like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro secured their places in gaming history, with roots in PlayStation’s legacy before transitioning to Activision. While recent years saw Crash return with a new title, Spyro’s solo adventures await revival—possibilities ripe for Xbox to explore.

If Microsoft desires to craft a beloved all-ages platformer, they have no shortage of IPs to choose from. Whether rekindling old flames or launching new ideas, a successful venture could infuse Xbox with the diverse charm it currently lacks in its lineup.

Launching new IPs is inherently risky, but Astro Bot, emerging from The Playroom in 2013, proved it can captivate hearts with a novel yet familiar charm. Microsoft could replicate this formula, crafting a mascot for Xbox infused with nods to their storied past.

With Xbox nearing a quarter-century, a new mascot project might just showcase their proud legacy—a collection of beloved characters like Master Chief or Tracer. By creating a themed platforming adventure, Microsoft could pull on the same heartstrings Astro Bot has while adding a fresh chapter to their storied journey.