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

December 12, 2024, marked a remarkable milestone for the gaming industry. Geoff Keighley hosted the 10th annual Game Awards, and for once, it garnered loads of positivity online. The show, often chided for its ad-heavy approach, seemed to have finally struck the right chord by addressing past criticisms.

Last year’s infamous teleprompter blunder, urging winners to “Wrap it Up,” became a viral sensation. But come this year’s show, it was evident Keighley and his team embraced the feedback, and it paid off handsomely.

The atmosphere at The Game Awards 2024 was electrifying right from the start. One of the standout moments was the reveal of Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware’s thrilling new cooperative roguelike iteration of their signature souls-like gameplay. Also capturing attention was Hazelight Studio’s Split Fiction – a fascinating narrative weaving unique mechanics into an immersive cooperative experience. Fans of It Takes Two, which bagged the Game of the Year title in 2021, will find this particularly intriguing. This year’s event had everything a viewer craving blockbuster reveals could ask for.

Two huge surprises unfolded during the night. Firstly, developers and award recipients were given ample time in the spotlight. Swen Vincke, the founder and CEO of Larian Studios (the brains behind Baldur’s Gate 3, last year’s Game of the Year winner), delivered a heartfelt speech. He shared insights on what makes a game truly resonate with the gaming community, offering an honest perspective on the industry’s missteps. His words were impactful enough to be reshared widely on social platforms.

The evening’s other surprise was Team Asobi and Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Astro Bot clinching the coveted Game of the Year 2024 award, despite stiff competition like Black Myth: Wukong, which dominated sales charts and won the “Player’s Voice” award. Astro Bot’s victory underscores a game’s potential to please both critics and players by tapping into the essence of the gaming industry’s beloved roots. It’s a nudge for Microsoft and Xbox too; despite their rich and varied catalog, they are yet to deliver a standout title like Astro Bot.

The reason Astro Bot stands out isn’t just because of its masterful craft as a third-person platform game reminiscent of Super Mario’s charm, but because it serves as a nostalgic tribute to the PlayStation’s evolution over the decades. Players are treated to charming Easter eggs, from recognizable icons like Kratos and Crash Bandicoot to lesser-known characters, creating an affectionate homage to gaming’s past and present.

While Sony has polished the cinematic, photorealistic gaming narrative, Astro Bot breaks the mold with its quirky, joyful experience suitable for players across age groups. It’s this playful variety that the Xbox ecosystem sorely lacks, despite its rich stable of studios and franchises.

Microsoft has cherished franchises like Age of Empires and Flight Simulator, yet surprisingly, a flagship third-person platform game remains elusive. Given their 40-odd game studios, the absence of a major platform title is puzzling. They possess a goldmine of classic games waiting to be tapped.

One potential contender could be Banjo-Kazooie, a series that still holds fond memories among fans. Its comedic and basic gameplay could resonate with the audience once more. Another option could be Conker the Squirrel, a franchise known for its mature themes but also its Game Boy Color innocence with Pocket Tales. Deciding which direction to take either series presents its own set of risks and rewards.

Delving into this realm doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Microsoft could learn from Sony’s playbook with Astro Bot, drawing on their diverse IP catalog to potentially create an engaging experience. Double Fine, known for the acclaimed Psychonauts 2, is a beacon of what’s achievable with Xbox’s backing. Their past success might light the path for Microsoft’s jump into platforming excellence.

If all avenues seem daunting, a collaboration with Toys for Bob, known for refreshing classics like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, might be the solution. Reviving these beloved series could forge new nostalgic links similar to Astro Bot’s allure.

Whether reinvigorating Crash, Spyro, or another iconic name, or taking a leaf from Astro Bot’s success, Microsoft and Xbox have options to explore. They could even create a new mascot for the Xbox brand, celebrating its rich 25-year legacy and future possibilities. By doing so, they would not only honor Xbox’s storied past but also potentially craft the next chapter in gaming history.