GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64 is an iconic release from the 1990s. However, the era doesn't translate well for modern gamers due to the blocky 3D graphics, lack of online multiplayer, and general unavailability. So when an updated remake of GoldenEye 007 made by the game's original developer Rare began to be rumored, anticipation began to grow. Unfortunately, the GoldenEye 007 remake has largely disappeared despite evidence of an announcement being forthcoming, with a new report shedding light on why that is.
GamesBeat's Jeff Grubb shared some information regarding GoldenEye 007's development on Twitter recently. A conversation had started regarding what was happening with GoldenEye 007 and Grubb offhandedly stepped in with a response. According to Grubb, GoldenEye 007 is currently "in limbo." He also shared a general explanation for why, stating that it's in limbo due to the "war." Grubb doesn't provide any further details, but appears to be reporting on the subject confidently.
While Grubb doesn't say it explicitly, it's safe to assume that he's referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine. GoldenEye 007 partially takes place in Russia and involves a variety of intrigue and conflict, which could explain why Microsoft has decided to press pause on the game. It could also be a simple matter of gun violence holding the game back, though that's hardly been an issue for the video game industry in the past.
What's unfortunately unclear is the state of GoldenEye 007's development. Grubb left this topic ambiguous, perhaps intentionally. GoldenEye 007 could still be somewhere in the middle of development, with the project halted due to the Ukrainian conflict. Alternatively, GoldenEye 007's development could be wrapped up or near completion, with Microsoft simply waiting for a more appropriate time to announce and release the game.
To be clear, while the new GoldenEye 007 game is being talked about as a real game, it has not been officially announced or confirmed. There's always a possibility that the topic has been confused, or that there's more or less to the project than meets the eye. Grubb's casual statement regarding the game's development is certainly affirming, but fans of the original GoldenEye 007 should absolutely maintain some amount of skepticism until more information is available.
The best answer that anyone can offer right now is that, regardless of the status of GoldenEye 007's development, everyone is hopeful for the continued safety of the Ukrainian people and a peaceful conclusion to the war. This is likely exactly what Microsoft and Rare are hoping for as well.
GoldenEye 007 is rumored to be in development.