Playground Productions excited fans with a nostalgic announcement of the relaunch of the beloved Backyard Sports franchise, which will include new film, television, and merchandise offerings.
Backyard Baseball first gained widespread popularity in 1997, captivating the hearts of young children who were just starting to delve into the world of video games. The franchise eventually branched out to include basketball, skateboarding, hockey, and soccer.
Fans were worried that 2015’s Backyard Sports Basketball would mark the end of the series, but Playground Productions pleasantly surprised everyone by announcing a comeback.
In a conversation with Variety, Lindsay Barnett, the founder and CEO of Playground Productions and creator of Backyard Sports, expressed that the franchise holds a special place in the memories of millions as it is more than just a game, but a treasured part of their childhood.
Playground Productions’ chief product officer, Chris Waters, also stated that the development team is committed to maintaining the original games’ aesthetics while updating them for a more modern experience. The announcement was met with excitement from fans, who eagerly anticipate whatever the team has in store.
#backyardsports pic.twitter.com/XQyF5fjPfc
— Backyard Sports (@_BackyardSports) August 20, 2024
The trailer features a familiar cast of characters and offers a glimpse of commentary from Sunny Day, who has provided the voice for most entries in the series. While Playground Productions has yet to confirm the return of the original voice cast, the visuals and overall feel evoke nostalgia for many viewers.
One fan responded, stating that they were suddenly reminded of their childhood at the age of seven.
“The timing couldn’t be better, now my son can experience the series just as I did,”commented another veteran of the second series.
The announcement raised a number of inquiries, including whether the game will feature online gameplay, a combination of children and professional MLB players, and the return of specific Backyard Sports titles.
To celebrate the announcement, Playground Productions unveiled the Backyard Sports website, where fans can access the original soundtrack, watch the trailer, and sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on any future developments.
We will share an update on the series revival as soon as Playground Productions does.
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