The revival of the beloved “Backyard Sports” video game series has been officially announced by Playground Productions, sparking excitement among fans who fondly remember the original games. The announcement was accompanied by a lively 42-second teaser that harks back to the nostalgic aesthetic of children's cartoons from the late '90s and early 2000s.
In this animated teaser, neighborhood kids gather at a local field, ready to jump into a game. But they’re not just any kids—these are iconic characters from the original series. Fans will recognize Stephanie Morgan with her amazing screwball and bubble gum antics, along with Achmed Khan, Pete Wheeler, and the powerhouse Kiesha Phillips. Dmitri Petrovich, genius twins Tony and Angela Delvecchio, and the speedy Kenny Kawaguchi also make an appearance, with all eyes on the legendary Pablo Sanchez.
The return marks the end of a nearly decade-long hiatus for the franchise. The teaser, reminiscent of the classic “Backyard Baseball,” quickly gained traction after its release on various social media platforms.
Chris Waters, head of product at Playground Productions, expressed his excitement in a statement to Sports Illustrated. “We’re thrilled to bring ‘Backyard Sports’ to a new generation of gamers,” he said. “Our team is committed to maintaining the beloved look and feel of the original titles while integrating modern enhancements and gameplay elements that today’s audiences have come to expect. We can’t wait for fans new and old to experience our revamped offerings on the field.”
Variety reports that the revival of the iconic video game series is just part of a larger initiative, with projects in development for film and television adaptations and an expanded range of merchandise.
During its heyday, from its inception in 1997 until the mid-2000s, “Backyard Sports” featured a variety of sports including baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer, with the initial baseball and football games being particularly popular. Playground Productions had previously secured licensing deals with nearly every major North American professional sports league, allowing kids to play alongside younger versions of famous athletes.
While details on which specific titles will be reintroduced remain under wraps, promotional materials released Tuesday showed characters sporting gear for football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey, suggesting a full revival of the series.
Despite declining popularity due to a shift toward more realistic sports simulations by major companies like EA Sports and 2K Studios, the “Backyard Sports” series has continued to occupy a place in pop culture. Pablo Sanchez in particular remains a staple on lists of iconic video game characters.
The involvement of people like Jason Kelce, who expressed interest in the series on his podcast “New Heights,” underscores the lasting impact of these games. While the Kelce brothers aren't directly involved in the current relaunch, their childlike enthusiasm for the series highlights its broad appeal.
This rebirth of “Backyard Sports” promises to blend nostalgia with modern gaming technology, offering a fresh take on a beloved classic.
