Xbox Should Take Inspiration from Astro Bot and Develop More Platformers

The evening of December 12, 2024, was indeed a memorable one for everyone in the gaming realm. With Geoff Keighley at the helm, hosting his 10th annual Game Awards, the event received a wave of positive feedback from the online community. Historically, the show has faced criticism for prioritizing advertisements over the recognition of game developers, who are meant to be the stars of the night.

Last year’s ceremony raised eyebrows with a teleprompter mishap, reading a message urging winners to "Please Wrap it Up." This incident went viral for all the right reasons. Clearly, Keighley and his team took this feedback seriously, making noticeable changes this year to cater to the audience’s expectations.

This year, The Game Awards 2024 turned out to be a rollercoaster of fun and surprises, right from the get-go. One of the many highlights was the announcement of "Elden Ring Nightreign," which adds a co-op roguelike twist to FromSoftware’s acclaimed formula. Additionally, Hazelight Studio’s "Split Fiction," a fresh cooperative game with a unique narrative blend, also caught the audience’s attention. Fans of their prior success, "It Takes Two," which clinched Game of the Year in 2021, certainly had something exciting to look forward to. For those tuning in for the thrill of new game announcements, this year’s awards hit the mark.

One standout feature of this year’s awards was the generous airtime given to developers and winners. Swen Vincke, the mind behind Larian Studios and the game "Baldur’s Gate 3," delivered a captivating speech. He reflected on what makes a game impactful and didn’t shy away from addressing the industry’s broader challenges, a clip of which was shared by @Rurikhan on Twitter.

In a twist of fate, Team Asobi and Sony’s "Astro Bot" took home the Game of the Year award, outpacing big contenders like "Black Myth: Wukong," which notably sold 18 million copies in its debut month and clinched the “Player’s Voice” award. This victory wasn’t just a nod to "Astro Bot’s" creative brilliance but also a wake-up call for Microsoft and Xbox. While they have a varied catalog, they seem to lack something Sony has mastered with their strategy.

The Missing Puzzle Piece

"Astro Bot" is a beautifully designed third-person platformer, drawing inspiration from the timeless "Super Mario" series. While it maintains simplicity in its design, it cleverly incorporates elements from various Mario titles—an engaging blend reminiscent of "Super Mario 3D World" and "Sunshine," with a Pikmin-like twist. The adventure involves collecting fellow Bots, some of which reference classic franchises like "God of War," "Metal Gear Solid," and even "Crash Bandicoot," forming a nostalgic homage to PlayStation’s rich gaming history.

Sony shines with third-person action games flushed with cinematic storytelling. Yet, "Astro Bot’s" charm lies in its pure fun and accessibility, a gap that Microsoft and Xbox might want to consider filling. While they have created legendary franchises like "Age of Empires" and "Microsoft Flight Simulator," a notable third-person platformer remains absent from their lineup.

Time to Revisit Some Classics

When Banjo and Kazooie were added to the roster of "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" in 2019, fans were elated. Rare, acquired by Microsoft in 2002, last treated us to a Banjo-Kazooie adventure back on the Xbox 360 in 2008. The positive reaction from their Smash appearance shows there’s still a yearning for this beloved series.

Despite Banjo-Kazooie’s whimsical roots, Microsoft also has the edgier "Conker" series to consider. Conker the Squirrel, known for its mature humor, offers another potential revival avenue, though it’s worth noting that its maiden voyage was more family-friendly.

Enter the Mind’s Arena

Thanks to the acquisition of Double Fine in 2019, Microsoft holds a valuable asset in the form of the "Psychonauts" franchise. "Psychonauts 2," launched in 2021, showed what they can achieve, even stepping toe-to-toe with titles like "Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart."

This shows that with the right resources and creative freedom, powerful platforming experiences can emerge. Double Fine is already on new projects, and another such game could spotlight Microsoft and Xbox akin to Sony’s "Astro Bot."

Should all else falter, Microsoft might turn to Toys for Bob, the team behind the latest "Crash Bandicoot" and the "Spyro" remake, envisioning new beginnings with these classics. Although Crash saw a comeback in 2020, Spyro has yet to embark on a new journey since 2008.

With either a fresh trilogy continuation or a groundbreaking reboot, Spyro could certainly rekindle the platforming fire for gamers young and old alike.

Crafting the Next Icon

Microsoft has a plethora of options, whether it’s experimenting with established hits or crafting something completely new. Creating a character that resonates as widely as Astro Bot isn’t just a possibility; it’s a worthy venture. Gleaning inspiration from past success stories and weaving in familiar figures from their gaming portfolio might just capture the essence needed to take the stage, just as Astro Bot did for Sony.

In essence, embracing their legacy, Microsoft and Xbox could launch something iconic, filled with cherished memories and new adventures, playing to the heartstrings of gamers everywhere. As they approach their 25-year milestone, an homage to their storied past isn’t just an opportunity; it’s a call to celebrate gaming history.