Xbox Should Take Inspiration from Astro Bot and Invest in Platformers

The night of December 12, 2024, marked a milestone for the gaming industry as Geoff Keighley hosted the 10th annual Game Awards. The event drew positive reactions across the internet, especially considering its past critiques. Previously slammed for its advertising-heavy approach that overshadowed game developers, it seems Keighley and his team took these criticisms to heart and made a concerted effort to shift gears.

In a rather infamous incident from last year’s event, a teleprompter urged winners to “Please Wrap it Up,” which quickly made its rounds on social media. This certainly prompted the organizers to rethink their strategy for this year’s awards.

This year, The Game Awards 2024 was a delightful surprise from start to finish, packed with notable game reveals. Among the most buzzed-about announcements was the reveal of Elden Ring Nightreign, a cooperative roguelike twist on the beloved souls-like genre from FromSoftware. Another standout announcement came from Hazelight Studios with Split Fiction, a fresh cooperative game that features a splicing mechanic reminiscent of their previous hit, It Takes Two. Fans of grand announcements had much to be thrilled about.

Perhaps the biggest game-changer this year was The Game Awards allowing developers ample time on stage. Swen Vincke, head honcho of Larian Studios, made waves with an introspective speech touching on what makes a game truly resonate with audiences. It was a candid moment that addressed the industry’s broader challenges, drawing applause on social media.

The surprises didn’t stop there. Team Asobi and Sony Interactive Entertainment’s title, Astro Bot, clinched the Game of the Year award against tough competition like Black Myth: Wukong. This victory highlighted the timelessness of engaging platformers, sending a clear signal to Microsoft and Xbox about the value of diverse offerings.

Astro Bot, with its Super Mario-inspired gameplay, stood out by weaving together familiar elements from other franchises, creating a tapestry of nostalgia and fun. Here, characters like Kratos and Raiden made appearances alongside more obscure nods like Dart from The Legend of Dragoon.

The success of Astro Bot points to a gap in Xbox’s current lineup—a gap that could be filled by reimagining classics like Banjo-Kazooie or Conker. Despite these franchises’ storied pasts, Microsoft has yet to tap into their potential fully. While Banjo-Kazooie would cater to a broad audience, bringing back Conker could strike a chord with fans of more mature storytelling.

Another promising avenue lies with Double Fine, now under Microsoft’s umbrella. Their success with Psychonauts 2 demonstrates their potential for crafting beloved third-person platformers. Microsoft’s acquisition of Toys for Bob further suggests the possibility of reviving franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, both of which hold nostalgic value and broad appeal.

While PlayStation leverages its rich game history to pull at players’ heartstrings, Microsoft could emulate this strategy. By creating a new mascot or reviving beloved characters in a game that pays homage to Xbox’s 25-year legacy, they could capture the magic that made Astro Bot a success.

The gaming landscape is ripe for surprise and innovation, and with the upcoming anniversaries, Microsoft has an opportunity to showcase its heritage. Whether through new ventures or nostalgic throwbacks, it’s a chance to remind gamers why they fell in love with Xbox in the first place.