In 2024, we should start to see the consequences of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This has already resulted in mass layoffs, impacting almost all of the group's subsidiary studios. A few weeks ago, we learned of the departure of 1,600 employees, as well as the independence of one studio in particular. This is Toys for Bob, the studio behind the Spyro franchise as well as Crash Bandicoot 4, as well as the remakes of the trilogies of both universes.
After 19 years of service within Activision Blizzard, the company has taken off to establish itself in the world of independent games. At the time of the announcement, we did not know if Toys for Bob was working on a specific project. It turns out that the studio is teaming up with Microsoft for the release of its next game. Clues led us to believe that such an event would occur. The media Windows Central confirms to us thanks to its sources that an agreement was indeed reached. signed.
What Toys for Bob does best
The journalist explains that Matt Booty, the head of Xbox studios, spoke at a panel, explaining that the two parties have come together well for the development of Toys for Bob's first game as an independent: “He refrained from describing exactly what it will be, although he did say something like, and I paraphrase, ‘it will be similar to the games that Toys for Bob has made in the past'”.
It is recalled that the studio is mainly known for its work on Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, but also the saga Skylanders when the mix of video game and toy/action figure worlds was at its peak. It is likely that the next title will be related to one of these three franchises. Remember that Microsoft holds the exploitation rights to all these creatures, but does not have a studio available to take care of them.
It could also be a completely new franchise, the first created since it regained its independent status. We will have to wait for official news before taking a position on one or the other proposal. For the moment, Microsoft is communicating very little about the changes to come following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and even less about its behind-the-scenes partnerships. It is also possible that the studio has the authorization to work on an old license to bring up to date. This is not lacking in the entire catalog of Xbox studios. Time will tell us if it will be a console exclusive or not.
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