Banjo title for Xbox 360 given Christmas release date

The head of Microsoft Game Studios points towards a holiday 2008 debut.

Speaking to MTV Multiplayer, Shane Kim, head of Microsoft Game Studios, has hinted at a Christmas 2008 release for Rare's currently very secretive Xbox 360 title based on its Banjo property.

"I'm super-excited about what they're doing with 'Banjo'," said Kim. "I think 'Banjo' is going to be a big hit for us this holiday."

While not a confirmation of a holiday 2008 release, it certainly now seems likely that the game will hit stores in the run-up to the Christmas buying season.

Kim also informed MTV Multiplayer that although Rare's output since Perfect Dark Zero has been very family friendly, the studio's development is not restricted and could still create a mature themed title.