In a surprising turn of events, Toys for Bob, the renowned developer behind the beloved Crash Bandicoot and Spyro franchises, has announced its departure from Activision to become an independent studio. This move comes amidst a wave of layoffs and restructuring in the video game industry, with giants like PlayStation and Electronic Arts also feeling the impact.
Toys for Bob, known for its innovative work on the Crash Bandicoot series and the critically acclaimed Spyro Reignited Trilogy, has been a key player under Activision’s umbrella. However, the studio’s leadership, Paul Yan and Avery Lodato, have expressed their excitement about the opportunity to explore new creative avenues as an independent entity.
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Despite the challenges faced during the transition, including the downsizing of their team from 86 to 50 employees and the closure of their physical office due to an expiring lease, Toys for Bob remains optimistic about the future. The studio has embraced a fully remote work model, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to their craft.
Intriguingly, Toys for Bob has hinted at a potential partnership with Microsoft, a move that could open up new possibilities for the studio. Both Activision and Microsoft have been supportive of Toys for Bob’s decision to strike out on their own, and the studio believes that maintaining close ties with these industry giants will be beneficial moving forward.
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While details about their upcoming projects remain under wraps, Toys for Bob has assured fans that they are already in the early stages of developing their next game. The studio’s focus on creating new stories, characters, and gameplay experiences has ignited excitement among its dedicated fan base.
The official statement from Toys for Bob emphasizes their desire to return to their roots as a small and nimble studio, allowing them to innovate and push boundaries in the gaming industry. With a track record of success in creating new IPs and pushing the limits of gaming technology, Toys for Bob is poised to make a significant impact as an independent developer.
As the studio embarks on this new chapter, they have expressed gratitude towards their community of players for their unwavering support. Toys for Bob’s journey as an indie studio is sure to be filled with exciting announcements and updates that will keep fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come. As the studio charts its own course, gamers worldwide can look forward to the innovative and captivating experiences that Toys for Bob is known for delivering.
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