Back at the start of the Xbox One generation, Microsoft brought Killer Instinct back. It was a commendable entry in the long-running franchise, although we haven't seen anything of the series since. However, Microsoft may well be cooking up another reboot.
An article over at Windows Central speculates just what is going on with Killer Instinct. Microsoft has expressed interest in returning to the franchise recently; Phil Spencer spoke about it on a DroppedFrames podcast. However, we've heard nothing solid on it since.
Windows Central now says it's "heard the vaguest of unsubstantiated rumors" that a Bandai Namco fighting team may well be working with Microsoft on more Killer Instinct. It'd make sense, given that Bandai Namco has worked on all sorts of fighting games, from Tekken to Super Smash Bros.
"I have also heard the vaguest of unsubstantiated rumors that one of Bandai Namco's fighting game development teams may be involved, although I haven't been able to independently verify that yet myself. Previously speaking at an event, someone at Xbox told me that finding a studio or building a team with the specific expertise to make a fighting game was difficult."
We must reiterate, this is a very vague rumour. Windows Central hasn't been able to confirm the rumour, even if the site has heard it in passing. Basically, take this one with a shed load of salt. Still, we'd be very interested to see where Bandai Namco and Microsoft would take Killer Instinct.
Would you like to see another Killer Instinct reboot? Let us know in the comments.
[source windowscentral.com]
Comments 9
It wouldn't be the first time that MS has commissioned a 3rd Party Dev to work on their own IP's. Originally created by Rare, it was a 'standout' fighter on the N64 but not being a 'fighting game' fan, I couldn't care less if it comes back.
I don't see as many Fighting Games in general - Mortal Kombat and Injustice seem to be still popular. I know Street Fighter was a PS4 exclusive and Sony seem to want to be the 'home' of Fighters with their co-owned Evo Tournament. Having a 'big' and popular Fighting game on MS like Killer Instinct would help but from my perspective, its not something I'd play...
It would be interesting to see how the game turns out if this were true. Other than Netherrealm, there aren’t too many non-indie, Western game devs making fighting games. Having a Japanese developer take on a Western fighting game franchise could end up being interesting.
Where is the series S upgrade to the xbox one game!!!!?????
Do they have the bandwidth? They have their own stuff, including juggling a bunch of fighters, and their partner work on Nintendo games.
Then again things seem quiet on the Nintendo side ATM.
@abe_hikura they just finished Smash.
looks at the Tekken 7 Xbox one port
No
Killer Instinct 3 is a brilliant and underrated game although I miss some options that Killer Instinct Gold had like level of blood, etc. and the effects in the latest game are a bit too distracting. I'd be interested in a fourth entry but I'd rather have Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Piñata back because they are missing since Xbox 360.
Why? Namco have two of the best fighting IP's in history. I'd much rather the next Tekken or Soul Calibre than a reboot of a MK wannabe.
There are 2 developers who are capable of doing KI.
Creators of tekken (great combos) and Netherealm.
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