Toys for Bob, the renowned Activision Blizzard studio responsible for beloved titles like Skylanders, Crash Bandicoot 4, and the Spyro remasters, has declared its independence from Activision, reverting to its status as an independent company. Simultaneously, it has revealed its exploration of a potential partnership with Microsoft as it embarks on the development journey for its upcoming game.
Established in 1989, Toys for Bob entered into a publishing collaboration with Activision in the early 2000s, eventually leading to its acquisition by the gaming giant in 2005. Since then, it has remained an integral part of Activision Blizzard, initially gaining acclaim for its innovative toys-to-life series, Skylanders.
Following this success, the studio ventured into crafting notable projects such as the Spyro Reignited Trilogy in 2018 and the critically acclaimed Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time in 2020. Additionally, it provided support for the Call of Duty franchise while launching titles like Crash Team Rumble in the previous year.
Recent events have seen significant shifts within the gaming landscape. In the wake of Microsoft’s monumental $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which led to widespread layoffs affecting various Xbox teams, Toys for Bob found itself grappling with organizational changes.
Reports emerged confirming the departure of 86 employees from the studio, alongside news of the closure of its physical office, with the remaining workforce transitioning to remote work setups. Against this backdrop, Toys for Bob has made the decision to separate from Activision and reclaim its independence.
In a statement released on its official website, the studio reflected on its storied history, highlighting its contributions to the gaming industry, from pioneering innovative IPs and hardware technologies with Skylanders to delivering exceptional remasters such as the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
With a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm, Toys for Bob expressed its conviction that the time is ripe to elevate the studio and its future endeavors to new heights, embracing the agility and creativity afforded by its independent status.
Furthermore, the studio revealed its intention to explore potential collaborations with Microsoft, emphasizing that it is currently in the early stages of development for its next project and refraining from making any premature announcements. It expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received from both Activision and Microsoft, affirming its commitment to maintaining close ties with them in the future.
As for the studio’s future projects, details remain shrouded in mystery. Speculation abounds regarding potential collaborations with Xbox to revive dormant franchises under Activision’s purview, with hints suggesting the possibility of a new Spyro game.
Whether Toys for Bob’s continued partnership with Activision and Microsoft post-independence will involve participation in such ventures remains to be seen, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future developments.
