Toys for Bob, the game developer known for creating popular titles like Skylanders and Crash Bandicoot, has recently announced a partnership with Xbox to publish its next unannounced game. This collaboration signifies a shift for Toys for Bob, as they will now be operating as an independent studio under Xbox’s publishing umbrella.
The studio originally joined Activision in 2005 after successfully releasing several games through Crystal Dynamics. Their Skylanders franchise, which included physical toys that interacted with the game, became a massive success, generating billions of dollars in revenue. However, the franchise was eventually discontinued.
In October 2023, Toys for Bob joined Microsoft along with the rest of Activision Blizzard. The acquisition was seen as an opportunity for Microsoft to leverage its supply chain and manufacturing resources to revive the toys-to-life concept of Skylanders. However, Microsoft decided to spin off Toys for Bob into an independent studio in February 2024.
The partnership between Toys for Bob and Xbox to publish their next game comes as no surprise, as rumors of a deal had been circulating since the studio’s independence earlier this year. This collaboration allows Toys for Bob to maintain their creative freedom while benefiting from Xbox’s publishing support.
Interestingly, while Microsoft has chosen to support Toys for Bob’s independent endeavors, they recently made the decision to close several other high-profile independent studios. This includes Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Roundhouse Studios, and Alpha Dog Games. This contrast highlights Microsoft’s strategic approach to supporting independent developers and their commitment to fostering creativity within the gaming industry.
Overall, this partnership between Toys for Bob and Xbox is an exciting development for both gamers and fans of the studio. It allows Toys for Bob to continue creating innovative and engaging games while benefiting from Xbox’s publishing expertise. As gamers ourselves, we can’t wait to see what this collaboration will bring and look forward to playing their next game.