Get ready to relive your childhood memories because the iconic Backyard Sports franchise is making a comeback! Playground Productions, a production company dedicated to creating family-friendly content, announced that the beloved video game series will be returning „in the coming months“ with the same nostalgic aesthetic of the games released in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
„We’re incredibly excited to reintroduce Backyard Sports to a new generation of players,“ said Chris Waters, chief product officer at Playground Productions. „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.“
The original Backyard Sports game, Backyard Baseball, was released in 1997, introducing the iconic cast of „Backyard Kids“ characters like Pablo Sanchez, Stephanie Morgan, Kenny Kawaguchi, Pete Wheeler, and more. Over the years, the franchise expanded to include games for soccer, basketball, football, and hockey.
In 2001, Backyard Sports partnered with MLB to feature one player from each of the 30 teams in Backyard Sports 2001, along with 30 fictional characters. This collaboration brought big leaguers like Randy Johnson, Tony Gwynn, Ken Griffey Jr., and Cal Ripken Jr. into the world of Backyard Sports. Subsequent editions of the game featured partnerships with the MLS, NBA, WNBA, and NHL, showcasing athletes like Kevin Garnett, Lisa Leslie, Brandi Chastain, and Cobi Jones.
While Playground Productions did not confirm if they will work with professional sports leagues for the reboot, additional announcements are expected soon. Lindsay Barnett, founder and CEO of Playground Productions, expressed excitement about the return of Backyard Sports, stating that the franchise is more than just a game—it’s a cherished part of childhood for millions of people.
Despite the franchise’s rights changing hands over the years without much progress, the resurgence of interest in Backyard Sports was sparked last year when retired NFL player Jason Kelce expressed his desire to reboot the franchise. However, sources have confirmed that Kelce is not involved in this relaunch.
Playground Productions aims to not only release new video games but also expand the Backyard Sports world into merchandise, film, and television. The company recognizes the nostalgia and fond memories that fans have for the franchise and is excited to bring it back to life for a new generation of players.
So, grab your glove, hop on your bike, and race to Steele Stadium because Backyard Sports is back and better than ever! Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting revival of a beloved childhood classic.