Skylanders
News, coverage and analysis tracking Skylanders across the outlets.
"Going independent meant taking a massive, massive risk": How Toys for Bob split off from Activision and Xbox…Toys for Bob has successfully spun off from Activision and Xbox to regain its independence, a move described as a massive risk. The studio is now developing a new Spyro game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X, set to release in 2027. This independence allows Toys for Bob to return to making games they are passionate about, leveraging their expertise from the Spyro and Crash Bandicoot franchises.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond dev says the "loud and consistent" fans who bought 11 million copies of the Reignited trilogy helped manifest the series' first new game in yearsDevelopers at Toys for Bob discussed their decision to create Spyro: A Realm Beyond, citing the strong and consistent fanbase for the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, which sold over 11 million copies. The studio expressed a desire to continue the Spyro series, seeing it as a reflection of their own underdog journey.
Toys for Bob says independence has allowed the studio to rediscover what it lovesToys for Bob, known for Skylanders and Crash Bandicoot 4, has become an independent studio following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This independence allows the team to focus on character-driven games, moving away from support roles on titles like Call of Duty. The studio is partnering with Activision to develop the newly announced Spyro: A Realm Beyond, set for release in spring 2027 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond studio had to "buy back" its independence from Xbox "to get back to the games we were known for" instead of Call of Duty and OverwatchToys for Bob, the studio behind Skylanders and a co-developer for Call of Duty and Overwatch, has become independent from Microsoft. Studio head Paul Yan stated the decision was made to "buy back" creative control and return to developing games the studio is passionate about, rather than supporting larger IPs. The studio is now working on a new Spyro game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, with a spring 2027 release window for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, and has an agreement with Xbox to publish it.