Yooka-Laylee gained much attention when it was announced as a spiritual sequel to Banjo-Kazooie, but there was nearly a bigger connection between the two. In a recent Twitter AMA, former Playtonic writer Andy Robinson revealed that Banjo-Kazooie almost appeared in the latter game, but plans fell through. He Stated in response to being asked his favourite behind the scenes story: “When Banjo-Kazooie was going to be in it, and then wasn’t”.
You can read everything from the post, below:
“Hi all, Gavin here; time for a more thorough explanation of my comment in that Guardian interview;
It was a great question by Keith at the Guardian (who is a lovely chap by the way, it was amazing to have him visit). I wanted to get across with my Rare comments how that even though we’ve left them, lots of people are still there who we consider to be our friends and of course we wish them well with whatever they do in their future careers.
I don’t see us collaborating on a game in future, more a sense that we help cross-promote each others games in fun ways if the chance arose either in Ukulele or other games we do in future. For example, IF Rare and MS were up for it, it would be great to have a certain Bear and Bird lost in one of our worlds and needing the help of our new heroes to get back (in return for a pagie of course! Maybe there’d be a single Jiggy in Ukulele hidden to give to BK and they give you back a Pagie). These could even be linked in to a stop and swap bit of fun between Ukulele and a Rare game, obviously all exclusive to an XBOX ONE version.
Maybe other platform holders would agree to other mascot cameo’s too…it’s all just hypothetical right now!
That’s all I meant by collaborating (in a nice little fun way aimed to give fans a little bit of fan-service!). Is Phil Spencer on these forums? If so I’d love him to read this (Hi Phil!). He’s been a massive ally for Rare over the years so it’s great to see him heading up the XBOX business – good times ahead all around I hope and the ultimate winner will be the fans!”