Classic Platformer Breathes New Life on Microsoft’s Subscription Service
Starting November 12, 2024, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy—the vibrant, remastered collection of the original Spyro games—will become available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
This release adds yet another high-profile title from Activision Blizzard to Game Pass, a move that underscores Microsoft’s growing ambitions for the service since acquiring the publisher.
For Game Pass subscribers across cloud, console, and PC, this release means a fresh dive into the colorful landscapes and adventures of the iconic purple dragon. The trilogy’s arrival has already sparked excitement on social media, with fans buzzing after a hint from Xbox Game Pass’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Nostalgia Revived: A Journey Back to Spyro’s Origins
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy brings back three of the most beloved entries in platforming history: Spyro the Dragon (1998), Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! (1999), and Spyro: Year of the Dragon (2000).
Originally developed by Insomniac Games, these PlayStation classics captivated audiences with their adventurous spirit and innovative 3D worlds. The 2018 remaster, crafted by Toys for Bob, reintroduces fans to those memorable titles, while enhancing the gameplay with HD graphics, redesigned characters, and detailed environments that honor the originals.
The trilogy has been a major success since its remastered launch, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
“The remaster was an opportunity to modernize Spyro while preserving what made these games timeless,” said a representative from Toys for Bob during an interview with IGN in 2021. The warm reception reflects the game’s ability to draw in both old fans and newcomers alike.
Xbox Game Pass: Building Momentum with Activision Blizzard Titles
Spyro’s arrival on Xbox Game Pass is the latest in a series of Activision Blizzard titles added to the platform since the publisher joined the Microsoft family.
Recent Game Pass additions have included Diablo 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy. Speculation suggests that other titles, like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, may soon be added to Game Pass as well.
Game industry analysts see this as Microsoft’s strategy to leverage its library of Activision Blizzard properties to draw in new subscribers. “Adding classic franchises like Spyro and Crash Bandicoot is not just about nostalgia,” commented gaming analyst Sarah Phelps in a recent article for GameSpot.
“It’s a calculated move to expand the Game Pass user base and offer a well-rounded experience for players across multiple generations.”
Toys for Bob’s Future: Could a New Spyro Adventure Be on the Horizon?
Toys for Bob, the studio behind the Reignited Trilogy’s remaster, has recently hinted at a new project. With both Spyro and Crash Bandicoot prominently featured on their website, fans are eager to speculate on what might be next.
Though Toys for Bob is no longer under Activision, it has since partnered with Xbox Game Studios for its upcoming release, leading to even more speculation about a potential Spyro revival.
Expanding Game Pass and the Future of Spyro
The addition of Spyro Reignited Trilogy to Xbox Game Pass not only strengthens the service’s library but also exemplifies Microsoft’s dedication to delivering varied content. This ongoing rollout of Activision Blizzard classics signals Microsoft’s commitment to making Game Pass a go-to subscription for diverse gaming experiences.
With fans calling for a new Spyro adventure and Microsoft steadily building on its Activision Blizzard assets, there may be more exciting updates on the horizon for both Game Pass and Spyro’s legacy.
For now, Xbox players can relive—or discover for the first time—the magic of Spyro’s world starting tomorrow, as the Reignited Trilogy takes its place among the must-play titles on Game Pass.