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Activision Acquires Toys For Bob
by David Jenkins
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May 3, 2005
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Officials from Activision have announced that the publisher has acquired Novato, CA-based console developer Toys For Bob.
The two companies have worked closely together since 2002, having completed Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure using the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater license. Toys For Bob, which has recently been specializing in kid-friendly console games, is currently finishing work on the film license Madagascar for the company, and is also starting pre-production on another as yet unannounced title for release in 2007.
Founded in 1989, Toys For Bob is best known for developing the space action adventure games Star Control and Star Control II, which were published by Accolade. Co-founder Paul Reiche III is renowned for co-creating early Electronic Arts classics such as Archon, and from 1993 to 2002, the studio worked exclusively with the now Eidos-owned Crystal Dynamics on titles such as Pandemonium, The Unholy War and The Horde.
Under the terms of the agreement, Toys For Bob has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision and the company's management team, and key employees have signed long-term employment contracts with Activision. The 27-person team will continue to be based in Novato, CA. As a result of the acquisition, Activision now has a total of approximately 1,000 employees in its various studio operations around the world.
"Toys For Bob's talented team, led by proven management, will further expand our leading development resources," said Kathy Vrabeck, president of Activision Publishing. "The studio's high quality animation and design capabilities will enable us to develop innovative new games for the console platforms."
"We couldn't be more excited about Activision's acquisition of Toys For Bob, which will allow us to focus on what we love and do best - create great games," added Paul Reiche III, president of Toys For Bob. "We have worked exclusively with Activision for the past three years, so we know the people, the products and the company's intentions quite well, all of which are entirely compatible with our own team and vision."
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