Toys for Bob has announced Spyro: A Realm Beyond, the first core Spyro game in nearly 20 years, during the 2026 Xbox Games Showcase. The announcement, reported by Engadget, marks the return of the beloved purple dragon from the '90s 3D action-platformer era.
Game Details and Developer Vision
According to Toys for Bob studio head Paul Yan and associate creative director Lou Studdert, the game seeks to update the classic formula with more detailed and larger worlds. Yan stated that the team focused on "what makes for a good Spyro game," emphasizing "fluidity of movement" and "the ability to interact with the environment to have this kind of zen-like momentum as you explore." The new title will allow players to seamlessly transition between ground and aerial gameplay, opening up exploration opportunities. Yan noted that the game is designed as both an entry point for new players and a faithful follow-up for long-time fans.
Developer Background and Industry Context
Toys for Bob previously worked on the Spyro: Reignited Trilogy remasters and Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. After the merger between Activision Blizzard and Microsoft, the developer served as a support studio on titles including Overwatch 2 and the Call of Duty series. Yan and Studdert expressed eagerness to return to creating their own games, citing that support work expanded their skill set. Spyro: A Realm Beyond is the first original Spyro game in nearly two decades, following the character's appearances in the Skylanders series.
Gameplay Focus and Features
The developers highlighted that the core of A Realm Beyond is playing as a dragon, building on Spyro's journey as an explorer. The new title will combine "those two disparate experiences of exploration and flight" according to Yan, with environments shaped to support that freedom. While scope details remain under wraps, the team confirmed that the biggest focus is ensuring the game is engaging for newcomers and a worthy follow-up for returning fans. The original trilogy remains well-regarded, particularly through the Reignited Trilogy.
What to watch: Release date and further gameplay demonstrations are expected in future announcements from Toys for Bob and Microsoft.
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