Spyro Developers Explain How They Want to Reinvent Dragon Flight

Toys for Bob developers in Spyro: A Realm Beyond aim for "zen-like fluidity" in flight and a seamless transition between ground and sky, focusing on world exploration and the connection between aerial and ground movements.

Spyro: A Realm Beyond became a prominent game at the Xbox Games Showcase and the first main installment in the series since The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon. The release is scheduled for 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Creative Director Lou Studdart noted that the team aims for "zen-like fluidity: we want movement and exploration to be connected – so that the player truly interacts with the environment as a quadrupedal creature, a unique beast." According to him, a key goal is the feeling of a seamless transition between ground exploration and aerial flight.

We want to enhance the sense of wonder, adventure, and awe that this franchise delivers.

Studio Head Paul Young added that the team is trying to maintain a balance between nostalgia and new ideas:

If you cling too much to nostalgia, it will be a repetition of the past. If you go too far into innovation, players might stop recognizing the series.

He reminded that the experience with Crash Bandicoot 4 and work on the Spyro Reignited Trilogy helped them better understand the tone and direction of the franchise.