The purple dragon Spyro is returning in his first completely new title in about 20 years. Developer Toys for Bob unveiled the original new entry in the series, 'Spyro: A Realm Beyond,' at the Xbox Game Showcase 2026.

This title is the latest from Toys for Bob, the studio behind the Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. Having previously modernized the original trilogy with the Reignited Trilogy, the team has prepared a new experience that goes beyond a remake, featuring a new world, expanded exploration, and innovative gameplay.

Following the showcase, a private session provided additional details on Spyro: A Realm Beyond, along with a Q&A. The session featured Paul Yan, Studio Head at Toys for Bob, and Associate Creative Director Lou Studdert.

Toys for Bob operated as a subsidiary for many years after being acquired by Activision in 2005. The studio created a new IP inspired by Spyro through Skylanders, pioneering the 'toys-to-life' genre that combined physical figures with gaming.

Later, they rebuilt the original trilogy from the ground up with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Paul Yan explained that this process gave the development team a deep understanding of who Spyro is as a character and the kind of experience the series has historically provided.

Toys for Bob subsequently worked on the Crash Bandicoot series. While developing the mainline title Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, they learned how to preserve the legacy of an aging franchise while expanding it for modern audiences; through Skylanders, they learned how to make complex mechanics accessible to a wide range of players. The Reignited Trilogy reaffirmed their affection for Spyro's world and characters, while the Crash series helped them consider how to move beloved characters forward. These experiences have all carried over into Spyro: A Realm Beyond.

However, the studio's situation changed significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul Yan explained that there was a company-wide shift toward supporting Activision Blizzard's major IPs, and Toys for Bob took on a role supporting various projects. While the studio learned a great deal by participating in diverse teams and development processes, they also drifted somewhat away from the games they felt most passionate about.

For Paul Yan, the definition of a 'Toys for Bob-style' game was clear: it must bring joy, center on a fun experience, and feature colorful characters and a whimsical, hand-crafted fantasy world. Furthermore, it had to be accessible to everyone, rather than a difficult game for a niche audience. He noted that this is exactly the kind of game the studio wanted to make again.

The turning point came during Microsoft's acquisition of Activision in 2023. After contemplating the studio's future, they proposed independence to Activision and Xbox leadership. The goal was to secure freedom in creativity, finance, and operations, allowing them to focus on the games they love as an independent company. This plan included developing a new Spyro title—a concept they had been nurturing since 2018—as their first project post-independence.

The proposal was accepted, and Toys for Bob has been developing Spyro: A Realm Beyond in secret for about two years since becoming independent. Paul Yan revealed that just as fans have been longing for Spyro's return, the developers have also been thinking about the character for a long time.

The core of Spyro: A Realm Beyond is the sensation of being a dragon. Lou Studdert explained that in planning this title, they wanted to bring Spyro into a new era and expand upon him in ways not previously possible. The starting point for this is flight.

Flight existed in previous Spyro series, but it was limited to separate stages with time constraints or simple gliding in standard levels. The development team wondered what would happen if they integrated these two experiences into Spyro's basic abilities. As a result, players can now fly freely within the game environment in Spyro: A Realm Beyond.

Lou Studdert emphasized that this flight is not merely a means of transportation. Rather than simply pressing a button to spread wings and float, the goal is active flight where the player controls speed and altitude, utilizing the environment to maintain momentum.

In the revealed gameplay, Spyro gains speed by diving and creates an updraft by igniting a campfire with his fire breath. He then uses that updraft to regain altitude, maintains momentum with wing flaps, and utilizes elements throughout the environment to keep his movement flowing.

However, this is not a game centered solely on flight. Lou Studdert explained that the essence of 'Spyro-style' gameplay lies in fluid movement and the chaining of actions. They aim to implement the sensation of dashing through narrow paths—like in some stages of the original—and stringing together speed boosts, ramps, jumps, and glides, not just on the ground but in the air as well. Consequently, players will interact with the world by running on the ground, flying through the sky, and moving naturally between both domains.

There were few games to use as direct comparisons during the flight design process. Typical flight games are either like flight simulators, focusing on aircraft operation, or superhero-style experiences where aerial movement is the sole focus. Spyro, however, is a character who must navigate both ground and air; he is not a giant dragon, but a small, agile, and strong one. The development team is focusing on leveraging these traits to create a unique physical sense of flight for Spyro.

Level design is also expanding to accommodate these changes. While specific structures will be revealed later, the team went through a process of creating movement models and finding the 'fun' during the prototyping phase. This led to the conclusion that much greater verticality and larger spaces were needed. The released footage confirms larger-scale environments and structures designed with aerial movement in mind compared to previous series.

In this title, Spyro is isolated in an unfamiliar and mysterious world. While searching for a way home, he encounters a fierce invading force called the 'Skab' and must work with new allies to protect this world before it changes forever. Players will navigate the skies in their own way, flying over vibrant landscapes, weaving through trees, leaping from massive terrain features, and chaining together dives, climbs, and tight turns.

Spyro's design has also been adjusted for a modern look. Paul Yan explained that they wanted this Spyro to feel familiar yet evolved. The Skylanders version of Spyro was closer to a different character, whereas this title follows the design lineage of the original and the Reignited Trilogy. The developers held many discussions with the original creators to contemplate the essence of Spyro, refining the design multiple times to ensure that character trait shines through on screen.

The most noticeable changes in this design are a more mature impression and larger wings. The team added subtle changes to give the feeling that Spyro has grown a bit since his last adventure, and specifically increased his wingspan to emphasize free flight. However, Paul Yan made it clear that this is the very same Spyro that fans have known and loved.

There is also good news for long-time fans: Tom Kenny returns as the voice of Spyro. Kenny is the actor who voiced Spyro in the original Spyro 2, Spyro 3, and the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Lou Studdert shared that as soon as Tom Kenny stepped into the recording booth, he immediately reclaimed Spyro's voice and even remembered catchphrases from past titles. The developers stated that Kenny's performance brings back Spyro's mischief and youthful courage.

The narrative is also expanding. While the developers have not yet revealed the full story, they confirmed that Spyro: A Realm Beyond is a story-driven adventure. Paul Yan explained that while the game continues the foundation of Spyro—a fun, dreamlike experience with charming, whimsical friends and a colorful world—it will also be a story that tests Spyro's abilities and emotional depth through the threat of a new antagonist. Lou Studdert added that this Spyro will be portrayed as having grown a bit, not just in appearance but also in personality and narrative. The full structure remains unrevealed.

An entry point for new users has also been considered. Lou Studdert explained that because the series has had such a long hiatus, they are avoiding a structure that requires knowledge of all previous titles to enjoy. Spyro: A Realm Beyond aims to be a game that new players can start without any prior knowledge. At the same time, it continues the legacy that existing fans expect. Spyro's signature colorful and whimsical spaces, activities that encourage exploration, memorable characters, and the joy of finding treasure remain key elements.

Toys for Bob stated that this reveal is just the beginning. Specific game structures, details of the adventure, and additional systems will be revealed sequentially in the future.

Spyro: A Realm Beyond is scheduled for release in the spring of 2027 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. It will also support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to continue their progress between Xbox consoles and PC.