Toys for Bob, the studio behind major Activision franchises like Skylanders and Crash Bandicoot, announced it is splitting from its parent company to become an independent studio once again. The developer also hinted at a potential future partnership with Microsoft as its next game takes shape.
Founded in 1989, Toys for Bob originally worked with Activision in the 2000s before being fully acquired by the publisher in 2005. As part of Activision Blizzard, Toys for Bob created massive hits like the toys-to-life Skylanders series and delivered acclaimed revivals of Spyro and Crash Bandicoot.
But following Microsoft’s pending $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, Toys for Bob was hit hard by workforce reductions, with 86 employees laid off this month. Its physical office was shuttered as well, transitioning remaining staff to remote work.
Toys for Bob Regains Independence After Years Under Activision
It is within this wider context of upheaval that Toys for Bob has now initiated a split from Activision Blizzard to return to its indie roots. The studio stated that its friends at Activision and Microsoft have been supportive of the change and expects to maintain close working relationships moving forward.
Specifically, Toys for Bob said it is “exploring a possible partnership between our new studio and Microsoft” as it starts development on its next game. While details on the project are scarce, Toys for Bob confirmed it marks a return to being a small, nimble studio.
Studio Hints at Microsoft Partnership for Mystery New Game
The language suggests Toys for Bob may still collaborate with Microsoft on revivals of old Activision franchises, as Xbox head Phil Spencer expressed interest in resurrecting classic IPs after the acquisition. Toys for Bob ended its announcement by telling fans to keep their eyes out for more news.
For Toys for Bob, the path back to independence brings new creative freedom but also uncertainty. Fans eagerly await news on what could be the studio’s first new intellectual property in over a decade as it charts its future course separate from Activision Blizzard.