Former Activision Blizzard Studio Toys for Bob Teams With Xbox for First Game as Indie Develop

 Posted on August 25, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  794 words  |  Martina Birk

Former Activision Blizzard studio “Toys for Bob,” the maker of games including “Spyro,” “Crash Bandicoot” and “Skylanders,” is teaming up with Xbox for its first game after striking out as an indie developer.

Activision Blizzard purchased Toys for Bob in 2005. Following Microsoft closing its $69 billion deal acquisition of Activision Blizzard last fall and making multiple cuts and changes across divisions, the Paul Yan and Avery Lodato-run Toys for Bob became an independent studio Feb. 29.

On Friday, Toys for Bob revealed it had struck a deal with Xbox to publish the “Spyro” developer’s first title as an indie.

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“We’re still very early in development, so you might not hear from us for a bit — but know that we’re working hard on an experience we’re so sooo inspired about!” the official Toys for Bob account wrote in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Can’t wait to share more.”

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No details about the unnamed title were revealed, but this announcement comes just ahead of Xbox’s Games Showcase event in Los Angeles on June 9, when the video game company traditionally unveils details about its new and upcoming titles. At this year’s edition, they will be providing more info on the recently announced “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” as well as other Xbox studios and third-party games, meaning there could be additional info provided about the Toys for Bob project from Xbox at that time.

Rumors surrounding a deal between Toys for Bob and Xbox to publish a new game first began circulating throughout the gaming industry in March, but Friday’s announcement marks official confirmation that a pact has been set between Yan and Lodato’s studio and Xbox chief Phil Spencer and head of game studios Matt Booty.

We're excited to announce that we'll be partnering with @Xbox to publish our next new game. We're still very early in development, so you might not hear from us for a bit – but know that we're working hard on an experience we're so sooo inspired about! Can't wait to share more 💜 pic.twitter.com/6EqrQbabpv

— Toys For Bob (@ToysForBob) May 31, 2024

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