Sports game fans, rejoice! Backyard Sports, the iconic video game series known for creating kid-friendly sports games, is back.
In a press release, Playground Productions, the company that currently owns the rights to the Backyard Sports IP, confirmed that it is reviving the series, noting that the franchise is “scheduled to return in the coming months.” Playground Productions also shared the first trailer for Backyard Sports, which features memorable characters like Pablo Sanchez and Stephanie Morgan.
You can watch the first trailer below.
In addition to confirming recent Backyard Sports video games, Playground Productions said the series’ return will expand its reach into multiple industries beyond video games, such as film, television, and merchandise. Playground Productions explained that the Backyard Sports revival will utilize “cutting-edge technology and cherished character IP” to create stories and experiences that will resonate with those who grew up with the series, as well as the current generation of youth.
“We’re incredibly excited to reintroduce Backyard Sports to a new generation of gamers,” Playground Productions CEO Chris Waters said in a press release. “We’re taking great care to preserve the look and feel that made the original games so special, while updating them with the modern features and gameplay that today’s audiences expect. I can’t wait for fans to see what we’re building at Playground.”
The Backyard Sports series began in 1997 with the release of Backyard Baseball. The franchise eventually included games in other sports, such as basketball, football, hockey, and even skateboarding. However, the series has been dormant since 2015.
While fans of the series have been waiting for a recent installment for nearly 10 years, rumors grew when NFL star and former Eagles center Jason Kelce revealed on his podcast last January that he was interested in making a recent Backyard Baseball and Backyard Football game.
A Playground Productions spokesperson confirmed to IGN that Kelce “is not directly involved with this revival,” but acknowledged that Kelce represents “an audience that to this day fondly remembers Backyard Sports as a staple game with iconic characters beloved by many.”
Taylor is a reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
