Toys for Bob Regains Independence, Announces New Spyro Game
Toys for Bob has successfully spun off from Activision and Xbox to regain creative control. The studio is now developing a new Spyro game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond. This title is slated for a spring 2027 release on multiple platforms.
Coverage across 5 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 studio CEO says there was no 'pushback' to becoming independent from Activision Blizzard, but the process and planning the game at the same time was 'complex' — 'I think that was the biggest challenge'
Toys for Bob, the studio behind Spyro: A Realm Beyond, has stated that neither Activision Blizzard nor Microsoft opposed their decision to become an independent studio again. Studio Head Paul Yan described the process as complex due to the simultaneous planning of the new game and navigating the legal and logistical separation from their former parent company.
Toys for Bob says independence has allowed the studio to rediscover what it loves
Toys 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 Overwatch
Toys 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.
After a 'corporate mandate' demanded they help with Call of Duty, Toys for Bob studio head says it took 'many mini miracles' to buy their independence from Activision
Toys for Bob, the studio behind Spyro: Reignited Trilogy, has successfully bought back its independence from Activision Blizzard. Studio head Paul Yan stated that a 'corporate mandate' to support Call of Duty: Warzone and Overwatch 2 was not the right fit for the studio's identity. Following layoffs at Microsoft, Toys for Bob proposed a radical plan to spin out as a separate company, focusing on making the types of games they are best known for.
After a stint on Warzone, Toys for Bob is thrilled to be back on Spyro – "We were moving away from the types of games that are near and dear to our hearts"
Toys for Bob, known for the Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot 4, has spun off from Activision to regain creative control and focus on joyful, all-ages games. The studio announced Spyro: A Realm Beyond, its first independent title, which will be released in spring 2027 for PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. This move signifies a return to their core passion after supporting titles like Call of Duty: Warzone.
