Xbox Should Take Inspiration from Astro Bot and Develop More Platformers

The evening of December 12, 2024, was truly a memorable one for the gaming world. Geoff Keighley graced the stage as host for the 10th annual Game Awards, and the feedback from viewers was nothing short of glowing. Previously, the event had faced criticism for leaning too heavily on advertisements, rather than shining a well-deserved spotlight on the developers whose work it aims to applaud.

There was an odd incident last year involving a teleprompter at the venue displaying an awkward message urging recipients to “Please Wrap it Up.” It caught widespread attention for obvious reasons. However, it seems Keighley and The Game Awards took notes on the viewer critiques from that awkward night and made some thoughtful changes this time around.

The Game Awards 2024 turned out to be a pleasant surprise, offering a mix of entertaintainment right from the start all the way to its conclusion. Among the captivating announcements was Elden Ring Nightreign, presenting a fresh cooperative twist to the well-loved FromSoftware game style. The show also unveiled Hazelight Studio’s Split Fiction, an exciting new co-op journey featuring unique mechanics and seamless blend of diverse settings throughout its narrative. Anyone who remembers their previous release, It Takes Two, would recognize the charm, as it nabbed Game of the Year in 2021. So if you tuned in seeking thrilling new reveals, this year’s event certainly didn’t disappoint.

While focusing on the astonishments, one of the significant highlights was developers and award winners finally getting the ample screen time they deserve. Swen Vincke, founder and CEO of Larian Studios—the masterminds behind Baldur’s Gate 3 which won Game of the Year in 2023—took the floor to share insightful thoughts on what makes a game truly resonate with the community. His speech, which also critiqued industry missteps, struck a chord and was shared on X by @Rurikhan.

Another unexpected delight was seeing Team Asobi and Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Astro Bot clinch the Game of the Year award, outshining powerhouse contenders like Black Myth: Wukong, which had previously taken home the “Player’s Voice” accolade. This win underscored Astro Bot’s ability to connect with both critics and gamers alike, whereas it highlighted a gap that Microsoft and Xbox have yet to fill despite their diverse portfolio.

Astro Bot, with its playful platforming rooted in beloved gaming traditions, draws direct inspiration from Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers. Its simplicity masters an engaging gameplay experience reminiscent of Super Mario 3D World and Sunshine, with a unique twist of Pikmin-style camaraderie as players collect fellow Bots to progress through the hub world. The game sprinkles in nostalgic elements, referencing notable characters like Kratos and Raiden, and even more obscure ones like Alundra’s protagonist, creating a rich tapestry celebrating PlayStation’s heritage.

Astro Bot stands out with its unmistakable charm, focusing on pure fun that appeals to players of every age—a kind of variety Microsoft and Xbox currently lack. While they are rich with niche franchises like Age of Empires and Microsoft Flight Simulator, Xbox has yet to unveil a major, third-person platformer, leaving a significant genre gap in their offerings.

Microsoft has a treasure trove of classic series that could fit the bill beautifully, like reviving Banjo-Kazooie or embracing the edgier Conker the Squirrel. When Banjo and Kazooie were announced as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC fighters in 2019, excitement brewed among fans nostalgic for Rare’s classic 3D platformer days. But the challenge lies in modernizing these beloved series without losing their original charm.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Double Fine, creators of the well-received Psychonauts 2, shows they have the potential to deliver top-notch platformers. Perhaps it’s time to bet on Double Fine once again or leverage partnerships like the one with Toys for Bob, known for the latest Crash Bandicoot adventure and the Spyro remastered trilogy.

With franchises like Crash and Spyro in their arsenal, Microsoft has a golden opportunity to craft a beloved all-ages platformer, taking a page from Astro Bot’s playbook by creating a game brimming with delightful references to gaming history. A new mascot that resonates with timeless franchises under the Xbox banner could be Microsoft’s way to celebrate its legacy and build a charming platformer that captivates audiences young and old.

Whatever path they decide, resurrecting these cherished characters or inventing new ones, Microsoft and Xbox stand at a crossroads that could redefine their identity in the platformer space. Following the blueprint laid by Astro Bot, they have the chance to kindle nostalgia and create a game that encapsulates their journey in the gaming world. With their resources and creativity, they could indeed create that much-needed ripple in the platforming scene.