The closure of Toys for Bob’s studio in Novato, California, following Xbox’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has resulted in about 1900 layoffs from the company. Among those laid off, 86 workers from Toys for Bob, known for developing popular games like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Skylanders, have been affected. The layoffs were part of Xbox’s restructuring efforts after acquiring Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, which also led to the departure of former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra and the cancellation of a survival game in development at Blizzard.
The closures and layoffs in the gaming industry have raised concerns about the long-term future of Toys for Bob. With a focus on remote work, many gaming companies have been forced to make difficult decisions in order to adapt to new industry trends. It remains unclear what impact these changes will have on the development studio, and IGN has reached out to Activision for comment on the situation. The uncertain future of Toys for Bob has prompted speculation and concern among gaming industry enthusiasts, as the fallout from the closures and layoffs continues to unfold.
The closure of Toys for Bob’s facility in California, as a result of the larger layoffs at Activision Blizzard following Xbox’s acquisition, has raised questions about the future of the popular game developer. With significant layoffs across the gaming industry and a shift toward remote work, the fate of Toys for Bob remains uncertain. The fallout from the closures and layoffs has prompted concerns about the long-term viability of the studio, leading to speculation and scrutiny from industry observers. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see what impact these changes will have on Toys for Bob and the broader gaming community.