Toys For Bob Goes Independent Amid Shutdown Speculations

Toys For Bob, the developer responsible for Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, has recently announced its decision to go independent. This move comes after being acquired by Microsoft in the Activision Blizzard deal and amidst significant job cuts at Xbox.

In a blog post, Toys For Bob revealed its transition to an independent studio, breaking away from Microsoft. Although specific details about the independence arrangement were not disclosed, the blog post mentioned ongoing discussions with Microsoft regarding potential future collaborations. Additionally, the blog post mentioned that Toys For Bob is currently in the early stages of creating their next game, with no confirmation yet on whether it will be a new intellectual property.

In a recent post, the studio expressed their excitement for developing new stories, characters, and gameplay experiences for their upcoming game, although they are still in the early stages and have not made any announcements yet.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, 86 employees were laid off from Toys For Bob as part of Microsoft's 10,000 layoffs in January. The studio's office was also closed, with the remaining employees transitioning to remote work. Toys For Bob, known for their work on the Skylanders series, had recently been primarily working as a support studio for Call of Duty before the layoffs.

Toys For Bob might not be the only studio gaining independence, as recent reports suggest that both Saber Interactive and Gearbox might be sold by Embracer Group in the coming weeks.

Editor's P/S:

The independence of Toys For Bob is an exciting development in the gaming industry. After being acquired by Microsoft and facing job cuts, the studio has decided to chart its own course. This move gives Toys For Bob the freedom to create new and innovative games without the constraints of a larger corporation. It also allows the studio to focus on its own vision and values, which could lead to unique and engaging experiences for gamers.

The departure of Toys For Bob from Microsoft is not an isolated incident. Other studios, such as Saber Interactive and Gearbox, may also be sold by their parent companies. This trend suggests that there is a growing desire among developers to gain independence and have more control over their creative output. While this may lead to some fragmentation in the industry, it could also foster innovation and diversity as studios are free to pursue their own passions and experiment with new ideas.