A playable prototype of Rare's canceled SNES fantasy RPG, known as Project Dream, has been released online. This leak is particularly significant for fans who have long sought more information about the game that ultimately evolved into the Nintendo 64 classic, Banjo-Kazooie. The individual responsible for the leak, using the online handle 'FVCKAsha&Phil,' stated that their decision stems from unhappiness with the current state of the game industry, specifically citing Xbox's alleged mismanagement of Rare and its broader ethical concerns.
This alleged "SNES proof-of-concept alpha" of Dream: Land of Giants was uploaded to the Internet Archive by the user on September 9. The leaker chose not to disclose the exact method of acquisition, stating only that the build came through a chain of individuals. The motivation for releasing the prototype now, according to the anonymous user, is a desire for preservation and to combat what they see as negative trends in gaming.
"With the current state of the industry and Microsoft’s current heartless gutting and mismanagement of Rare and other companies it controls, plus with how long it’s been, I feel it’s more important to make sure this is properly preserved, and the ROM dissected by people with far more knowledge on how to do such things," the leaker wrote on the Internet Archive page. They expressed hope that this release would encourage others to share their own archived materials, mentioning the existence of a Twelve Tales Conker 64 prototype.
The leaker further elaborated on their grievances, lamenting the perceived decline in the industry and the push towards AI, layoffs, and anti-preservation practices. They also voiced strong criticism of Microsoft's alleged support of actions in Gaza. The user urged gamers to reconsider their choices, suggesting a boycott of certain practices and a move towards platforms like Linux, while advocating for the purchase of full games on cartridges.
Project Dream, which began development around 1995, was initially envisioned as an ambitious RPG for the SNES. As development progressed, the scope of the project outgrew the SNES's capabilities, leading to a transition to the N64. During this transition, the game's focus shifted, eventually leading to the abandonment of its original protagonist in favor of Banjo, a character who was initially a minor figure in the RPG. Further development shifts, influenced by the creation of what would become Conker's Bad Fur Day, transformed the remaining elements of Project Dream into a platformer. Elements from Project Dream, such as the pirate antagonist Captain Blackeye, were later integrated into Banjo-Kazooie through cameo appearances.