Today's Xbox Games Showcase 2026 was a continuation of Xbox boss Asha Sharma's efforts to achieve the 'return of Xbox' by bringing back Xbox console exclusives, though that wasn't the only notable return in the show. Activision revealed the return of the most popular purple dragon in gaming, as Spyro: A Realm Beyond brings the franchise back with its first new game in years, and yes, it's Toys For Bob behind it.
It'll arrive at some point in Spring 2027, and fans of Spyro on PlayStation and Nintendo devices don't have to worry about any exclusivity. It'll arrive on all current-gen PC and consoles (Switch 2 included), though if you're already playing on Xbox, you'll also be able to play it through Xbox Game Pass.
We last saw Spyro in a quality remake trilogy, the Reignited Trilogy, which first arrived back in 2018 and was also developed by Toys For Bob. A fourth Spyro game from Toys For Bob has been rumoured for some time, though with the studio's breakup with Activision putting a lot into question, it wasn't certain where exactly the team's relationship with Activision and Microsoft would go.
Even after we learned that the studio's first game as a recently independent team would be published by Microsoft and Activision, whether the studio would be able to successfully pitch a Spyro or Crash Bandicoot game was unclear, even if they were the clear choice for the team to carry both franchises forward.
In an Xbox Wire interview that went live alongside the reveal, Toys For Bob studio head Paul Yan admitted how fans of the franchise have been left in limbo for so long, and how much it means for the team to finally show off what they've been working on.
"I know the wait has been excruciating but we’re so thrilled to finally come out of stealth and confirm that a new Spyro game is indeed what we’ve been up to these past few years," Yan said.
"The little purple dragon means so much to us – we have a long history together; Spyro was the main inspiration that led to the innovations of the Skylanders series that we pioneered, and the remake of the original three games built from the ground up in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy – which reintroduced Spyro to a modern audience. Ever since then, we’ve been dreaming of what an original new adventure would look like, and that dream has manifested in Spyro: A Realm Beyond."
As you can see by the quick look at gameplay we get in the trailer, A Realm Beyond will be a big leap forward for Spyro, with improved flying instead of just gliding, deeper exploration, and even a seemingly more mature story for the first time in the franchise.
"A big reason why I love Spyro games is that they are ultimately joyful, dream-like experiences full of charming, quirky friends and Spyro: A Realm Beyond certainly builds on that important foundation. In the showcase announcement trailer, you may have noticed that we are introducing the threat of a new antagonist in this story, and his presence will raise the stakes. He will challenge Spyro’s abilities and push him to new emotional depths that will see Spyro grow as a hero. It’s a story full of heart and I can’t wait for you to experience this new journey," Yan said.
"Spyro is back. He is headlining a brand-new adventure. And I can’t wait for you to experience how he soars to new heights in Spyro: A Realm Beyond. This game was developed with love for Spyro and more importantly, for you."
About the author: David has been writing about videogames, technology, and culture since 2020, with a focus on reporting daily news across multiple publications, including GameDaily.Biz, GameSkinny, and PlayStation Universe before joining Wccftech in 2025. David started contributing as Canada/US reporter for Wccftech's gaming section in 2025. Besides being up-to-date on the industry's movements, he loves interviewing developers, reviewing games, and writing intricate essays about the symbolism and layered meanings to be found in rich narratives as he's done for publications like GamesIndustry.Biz, LostInCult, and others. Outside of games he loves movies, music, theatre, his hometown, and his family, though not necessarily in that order.
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