Playtonic: 'We know what Rare is working on. We may even collaborate'

The small Midlands studio is building the "spiritual successor" to Nintendo 64 classic Banjo-Kazooie. But the team still has one eye on its old employer, Rare

Fledgling game studio Playtonic, currently working on a "spiritual successor" to classic Nintendo 64 platformer Banjo-Kazooie, says it knows what Rare is working on - and that fans will be satisfied.

Purchased by Microsoft in 2002, the legendary developer had been creating titles in the Kinect Sports series, but many gamers have been desperate to see Rare return to its glory days, when it produced lively platform adventures such as Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie and Conker's Bad Fur Day. Playtonic, formed by six ex-employees of Rare, still has contact with its old employer, which is based only a few miles away.

Related: Rare talent: inside the studio building Banjo-Kazooie's spiritual successor