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In a year filled with distressing headlines within the video game industry, we finally have a reason to celebrate. Toys For Bob, the creative force behind Crash Bandicoot 4 and the remastered Spyro collection, has decided to spread its wings and transition into an independent game development studio.

The groundbreaking announcement came through a heartfelt blog post on February 29, where studio heads Paul Yan and Avery Lodato shared their vision for the future. The decision to go independent signifies a return to the studio's roots – a smaller, more agile entity ready to shape the industry with its unique creations.

"We believe that now is the time to take the studio and our future games to the next level," expressed Yan and Lodato. "This opportunity allows us to return to our roots of being a small and nimble studio."

The news doesn't end there; the blog post also hinted at an exciting possibility – Toys For Bob is "exploring" a potential partnership with Microsoft. While details about their next game remain shrouded in mystery, the heads of Toys For Bob were quick to clarify that they are still "in the early days" of development and are "a ways away" from unveiling any specifics.

Despite the shift towards independence, Yan and Lodato emphasized the continued support from both Activision and Microsoft. The community of players, who have been a steadfast companion on the studio's journey, were also thanked for their unwavering support. The post concluded with a promise to keep the community updated on the studio's new adventure as an indie powerhouse.

As part of this transition, it appears that the online party platformer Crash Team Rumble will no longer receive updates with new content.

Toys For Bob's legacy dates back to its founding in California in 1989, gaining recognition with the acclaimed Star Control series in the early '90s. Acquired by Activision in 2005, the studio ventured into the toys-to-life genre with Skylanders in 2011. Over the years, they contributed to the Spyro and Crash Bandicoot franchises, creating beloved gaming experiences.

The road to independence for Toys For Bob wasn't without challenges. In 2023, after Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard and announced widespread layoffs, Toys For Bob faced hardships, losing 89 team members and seeing the closure of its Novato, California offices.

Now, with this move towards independence, Toys For Bob is set to continue its storied journey. In an industry where not every game studio gets the chance to persevere, this uplifting news is a beacon of hope. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the next chapter in Toys For Bob's legacy and wish them success in this new phase of creativity and innovation. Stay tuned for further updates as the adventure unfolds!