In October 2023, Microsoft closed its deal to purchase Activision Blizzard King. One of the studios that became owned by an American corporation as part of this merger is Toys for Bob. The team, known for the Spyro and Crash Bandicoot series, has recently been actively helping other Activision studios in the development and support of Call of Duty, although last year they released their own project – Crash Team Rumble (support for which has already ceased).
At the end of February 2024, it was announced that Toys for Bob was leaving the wings of Microsoft and Activision. The company decided to continue to exist as a separate independent studio, but the announcement of the transition to a new status noted that Toys for Bob and Microsoft are exploring the possibility of further cooperation.
According to gaming insider Jez Corden (on Windows Central), Toys for Bob has reached collaboration agreements with Microsoft. Citing his sources, he stated that Xbox will finance the next Toys for Bob game. At the moment there is no information about what this project is. But according to the insider, “it will be similar to the games Toys for Bob have created in the past.” It is not specified whether a new game is being created based on an already well-known franchise, however, previously the Toys for Bob studio itself advised players to “keep the horns on,” thereby referring to the Spyro franchise.
The rights to all intellectual property associated with the Toys For Bob studio remain with Microsoft. Including the Skylanders, Spyro and Crash Bandicoot series.