Backyard Sports Video Game Franchise Announces Decision On Future
Backyard Sports delighted nostalgic gamers with news of a long-awaited return.
The popular series initially launched when introducing Pablo Sanchez and friends in the 1997 installment of Backyard Baseball. The franchise expanded to include soccer, football, basketball, hockey, and skateboarding.
While Backyard Sports hasn't produced a game in over a decade, Playground Productions announced its upcoming return Tuesday. A newly created X account declared that "BACKYARD IS BACK" before sharing a teaser.
The trailer features iconic characters such as Stephanie Morgan, Achmed Khan, and Pete Wheeler in the game's classic animated aesthetic. They eventually make their way to the playground, where Morgan prepared to throw a pitch to Sanchez.
"We're incredibly excited to reintroduce Backyard Sports to a new generation of players," Chris Waters, chief product officer at Playground Productions, told Sports Illustrated's Tom Dierberger. "We're taking great care to preserve the look and feel that made the original games so special while updating them with modern features and gameplay that today's audience expects. I can’t wait for fans to see what we’re building on the Playground."
Playground Productions didn't confirm if the new Backyard games will partner with professional sports leagues to include the likenesses of teams and athletes. Stars such as Ken Griffey Jr. appeared as kid-like versions of themselves in the older games.
Jason Kelce revealed earlier this year that he was looking into the rights in hopes of reviving Backyard Sports. However, Sports Illustrated reported that the former Philadelphia Eagles center isn't connected to this relaunch.
While it remains unclear which sports will get a new Backyard game, the teaser would suggest that a new baseball installment is forthcoming. Playground Productions is also pursuing other verticals such as TV, film, and merchandising.
"Backyard Sports is more than just a game; it's a cherished part of childhood for millions of people," Playground Productions founder and CEO Lindsay Barnett said. "I look at media as the largest classroom in the world. As such, our goal is to produce meaningful content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. The return of Backyard Sports is the perfect embodiment of that goal."
