Xbox Should Take Inspiration from Astro Bot and Invest in Platformers

December 12, 2024, marked an unforgettable evening for the gaming world. Geoff Keighley took to the stage for his tenth annual Game Awards, much to the delight of viewers everywhere. Since its inception, the show had faced backlash for seemingly being more ad-centric than celebratory of the creators it aimed to honor. Last year, a mishap with a teleprompter message telling award recipients to “Please Wrap it Up” sparked widespread online chatter. Clearly, the feedback wasn’t lost on Keighley and his team, leading to tweaks that truly stood out this year.

This year’s Game Awards proved to be a delightful surprise from beginning to end. Spectacular game announcements were abundant, with the likes of ‘Elden Ring Nightreign,’ a fresh cooperative roguelike twist on FromSoftware’s iconic souls-like gameplay, wowing the crowd. Fans were also buzzing over Hazelight Studio’s ‘Split Fiction,’ a cooperative adventure packed with unique mechanics that intertwine various settings, reminiscent of their previous hit, ‘It Takes Two,’ which snagged Game of the Year in 2021. If you tuned in for big reveals, this year certainly delivered.

One standout moment was the generous time given to developers and winners on stage. Swen Vincke, the driving force behind Larian Studios and the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, took the spotlight with an insightful speech that went viral. He delved deep into what makes a game truly resonate with gamers, touching on broader industry missteps.

But perhaps the biggest twist was seeing Team Asobi and Sony Interactive Entertainment’s ‘Astro Bot’ clinching the Game of the Year award, outshining even the mighty ‘Black Myth: Wukong.’ This success emphasized Astro Bot’s appeal to both critics and fans, stirring a sense of envy towards Microsoft and Xbox.

Astro Bot, with its engaging third-person platforming vibes, drew inspiration from Nintendo’s classic ‘Super Mario Brothers.’ It’s a game that smartly pays homage to various Super Mario titles, while also celebrating PlayStation’s rich history through its adorable Bots. These Bots weave together references from Sony’s notable franchises, creating a nostalgic tapestry that players can’t resist.

While PlayStation has mastered the art of mixing photorealistic action with cinematic storytelling, Astro Bot’s charm lies in its playful simplicity, offering a fun experience for all ages—a stark contrast to Microsoft’s lineup. Microsoft has no shortage of studios and franchises, yet a family-friendly platformer akin to Astro Bot remains elusive.

Given the enduring love for series like Banjo-Kazooie, which thrilled fans when it made a splash in Super Smash Bros., it seems surprising that Microsoft hasn’t rekindled their 3D platformer magic. Nostalgia runs high, with fans yearning for a comeback, whether through the more whimsical Banjo-Kazooie or the edgy and beloved Conker series.

Double Fine’s critically acclaimed ‘Psychonauts 2’ serves as a glowing example of Microsoft’s potential in the platforming arena. Following its successful release, the anticipation for their next project is palpable and could mark a new era for Xbox in this genre.

Adding to the excitement, partnerships, like the one with Toys for Bob, could provide Microsoft the opportunity to tap into the nostalgia-driven magic seen with Astro Bot. With their expertise in revitalizing timeless classics like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, the future seems promising for Xbox to introduce a lively, all-ages platforming adventure.

And yet, Microsoft could choose to embrace their extensive repertoire of IPs to craft something original, much like Astro Bot itself, which cleverly integrates beloved game references. Imagine an Xbox platformer where iconic characters from their history take center stage — a game rich with nods to cherished heroes and beloved franchises. It could be the perfect way to celebrate Xbox’s own legacy, just in time for their upcoming 25-year anniversary.

The stage is set for Microsoft to ignite the same joy that Astro Bot has generated for Sony, paving the way for a rich, all-ages gaming experience that players across the spectrum can cherish.