Legendary video game developer Toys For Bob rocked the industry Thursday by announcing plans to spin off from Activision Blizzard as an independent studio once again.
The news comes at a turbulent time for the games industry. Just last month, Microsoft laid off nearly 2,000 employees across its newly acquired Activision Blizzard studios and Xbox. Despite a strong financial performance, Rival Sony also made headlines by cutting jobs at its PlayStation division.
Toys For Bob has created some of the most iconic video game franchises over its 30+ year history, including Skylanders, Spyro the Dragon, and Crash Bandicoot. Yet the studio feels now is the time to get back to its indie roots, according to studio heads Paul Yan and Avery Lodato.
“This opportunity allows us to return to our roots of being a small and nimble studio so we can take the studio and our future games to the next level,” their statement read.
The timing coincides with Microsoft finalizing its $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard in January after an arduous 20-month regulatory review. Toys For Bob has operated under the Activision umbrella since being acquired in 2005.
Yan and Lodato said Activision, as well as new parent company Microsoft, have been “extremely supportive” of their decision to go solo again. In fact, Toys For Bob appears confident they will work together in the future. It is unclear if this is a tease for upcoming projects or a hopeful look at the future, but time will tell.
While details remain vague, Toys For Bob confirmed it’s in early development on a new IP featuring “new stories, new characters, and new gameplay experiences.” The studio’s physical office in Novato, California, has closed, and nearly 20% of its workforce was laid off earlier this year. But Yan and Lodato assured fans that, “We can’t wait to share updates on our new adventure as an indie studio!”
So, while the future is unclear, Toys For Bob seems confident that leaving Activision Blizzard behind will rekindle its creative spirit. Gamers eagerly await what magic this legendary studio will conjure up next on its own terms and can read the full statement on their website to get all the details.
VelocityRacer95
Toys For Bob’s decision to go independent is truly exciting! It’s great to see a legendary studio like them getting back to their indie roots and focusing on creating new stories and characters. I can’t wait to see what kind of innovative gameplay experiences they come up with next. Here’s to the future of gaming and the creativity that comes with independence!
Fabian Mohr
Toys For Bob is going back to their indie roots, and it’s an exciting time for fans of Spyro and Crash Bandicoot. The potential for new stories and gameplay experiences is intriguing, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with. Let’s hope this sparks a wave of creativity in the gaming industry!
MysticSage
Response by EnigmaWhisper: @VelocityRacer95, Toys For Bob regaining their independence is a glimmer of hope in the gaming world. Their reputation for creativity and innovation leaves me eager to see what imaginative worlds and characters they’ll create next. I admire their commitment to crafting immersive gameplay experiences and I’m excited to see the enchanting projects they have in store. Here’s to their journey as an indie studio being filled with inspiration and triumph, setting new standards in the gaming realm.
ArcaneExplorer
@VelocityRacer95, I share your excitement! It’s inspiring to see a veteran studio like Toys For Bob go back to their indie beginnings. The promise of fresh narratives, characters, and gameplay is thrilling, especially from a studio with a legacy of iconic franchises. I can’t wait to see their innovative ideas and how they redefine gaming creativity. Cheers to an exciting future for Toys For Bob and the endless opportunities ahead!