Toys For Bob Reaches Agreement with Microsoft

The industry as a whole has been in a bit of a ditch as we watch thousands of people laid off from their jobs, games canceled left, right, and center, and a renewed focus on live service titles. It is easy to be disheartened by the industry right now. Talented studios have been acquired, assigned repetitive tripe, and then gutted for all their worth when the overly produced licensed titles and sequels are slopped out. I am still beyond angry at Vicarious Visions being stripped to become Blizzard Albany and not giving us THPS 3+4. However, Toys for Bob somewhat broke free from Microsoft in February.

In the press release on February 29th, the statement read, “We’re thrilled to announce that Toys for Bob is spinning off as an independent game development studio!” Though beyond that there is a slight caveat of sorts, the statement also read, “To make this news even more exciting, we’re exploring a possible partnership between our new studio and Microsoft. And while we’re in the early days of developing our next new game and a ways away from making any announcements, our team is excited to develop new stories, new characters, and new gameplay experiences.“

According to a report over the weekend from Windows Central, the studio has finalized that deal that could have been teased back in the studio’s independence announcement. The statement read: “So, keep your horns on and your eyes out for more news. Thank you to our community of players for always supporting us through our journey. We can’t wait to share updates on our new adventure as an indie studio!” Horns of course suggests there could be a continuation of the Spyro series from the studio.

The Windows Central report suggests that at a recent town hall meeting (it isn’t clear if it is at Toys for Bob or Microsoft), Toys for Bob’s independence was asked about. It is noted that Toys for Bob’s leadership made clear it wants to stick together and return to the games the studio is known for. Again, suggesting Crash and Spyro titles.

The report also goes on to note that Matt Booty (we’ll giggle and move on), head of Microsoft Studios, is stated as saying that there is now an agreement reached between Toys for Bob and Xbox on their first independent title. It is also noted that Booty (we’ll giggle again and move on) didn’t go into details but is paraphrased as saying Toys for Bob will be making a game similar to what it has in the past.