Toys for Bob reveals Spyro: A Realm Beyond with active flight mechanics
Developer Toys for Bob and publisher Activision officially revealed Spyro: A Realm Beyond during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7, 2026. The announcement confirms the first original entry in the series in nearly 20 years, slated for a spring 2027 release. The title is arriving on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with a day-one launch on Xbox Game Pass.
The project represents a major milestone for Toys for Bob, which regained its independence from Activision Blizzard in February 2024. Following this move, the studio secured a deal with Microsoft to develop the new title using Unreal Engine 5. Legendary voice actor Tom Kenny is confirmed to return as the voice of Spyro, maintaining the character’s iconic sound as he enters a new era.
This multi-platform approach aligns with broader industry shifts toward maximizing reach on next-generation hardware. While Microsoft is funding the project, the inclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2 suggests a strategy similar to the Star Fox day one update on Switch 2, which focused on cross-platform performance. For Spyro fans, the transition to Unreal Engine 5 promises a significant technical evolution for the franchise.
Toys for Bob introduces active flight mechanics
The debut trailer featured a combination of cinematic footage and brief gameplay snippets showcasing “active flight” or “true dragon flight.” Unlike the limited gliding of previous titles, this system allows Spyro to fly freely and dynamically through the sky. Associate Creative Director Louis Studdert explained that environments will react to how players fly, allowing for a more interactive aerial experience.
Players can use Spyro’s firebreath to ignite hay piles, creating thermal updrafts that propel the dragon higher for extended flight. The gameplay also incorporates diving mechanics to gain speed while navigating narrow areas. Developers described the title as an “entry point for new players,” though they claim it remains “full of legacy for long-time fans” who grew up with the original trilogy.
The studio confirmed that while sheep were missing from the initial reveal trailer, they will definitely be present in the final game. This attention to detail comes as the industry prepares for other major releases, such as the Grand Theft Auto 6 release date in late 2026.
Toys for Bob appears focused on delivering a polished, modern platforming experience that utilizes the power of current-gen consoles.
Exploration in a brand-new world
Toys for Bob is promising “expanded exploration” and new gameplay set within what they describe as a “brand-new world.” While the trailer showed the Dragon Realms under threat from a mysterious spellcaster, the developers have not explicitly confirmed or denied the return of familiar hub worlds. This new antagonist wields a twisted staff with a neon-pink gem, marking a departure from past villains.
The story focuses purely on Spyro’s adventure, and the developers indicated that players should not expect to play as other characters. Interestingly, the faithful companion Sparx was not visible in the reveal trailer, suggesting a very concentrated narrative focus on the titular dragon. This shift allows the team to double down on the new flight and combat mechanics afforded by the engine upgrade.
Future of the franchise under Microsoft and Asha Sharma
The Xbox Games Showcase also marked the first major event led by Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox following the departures of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond. The presentation highlighted games from Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, signaling a unified front for Xbox Game Studios. This leadership change occurs as the company continues to navigate the fallout of its massive industry consolidations.
Some analysts have pointed to past corporate friction during these transitions, including when Bobby Kotick discussed the lawsuit against the Activision-Microsoft deal regarding market competition. With Toys for Bob now operating independently but partnered with Microsoft, the studio maintains a unique position in the industry. This partnership has finally ended years of community “coping” and speculation regarding the dragon’s return.
While the gameplay footage has teased an open-world structure, Toys for Bob would neither confirm nor deny if the game follows a sandbox approach. There are also reports and rumors suggesting the current agreement between Toys for Bob and Microsoft does not mention projects beyond this title.
This has led to unconfirmed speculation about whether this could be the final Crash or Spyro title from the studio.