# Toys for Bob

> video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q2130108](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2130108)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/toys-for-bob

## Summary
Toys for Bob is an American video game developer founded in 1989 by Paul Reiche III, known for creating innovative toys-to-life games like Skylanders. Headquartered in Novato, California, it operates as a privately held company within the video game industry.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1989 by Paul Reiche III.
- Headquarters located in Novato, United States.
- Employs 75 people as of the latest data.
- Specializes in the video game industry.
- Official website: https://www.toysforbob.com (English language).
- Known for developing the Skylanders franchise.
- Structured as a privately held company.
- Maintains Wikipedia presence in 10 languages (e.g., English, Spanish, French).
- Unique identifiers include GND ID 1186746211 and VIAF ID 155057208.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Toys for Bob founded?
A: Toys for Bob was founded in 1989.

### Q: Who founded Toys for Bob?
A: The company was founded by Paul Reiche III.

### Q: What is Toys for Bob most known for creating?
A: It is most recognized for developing the Skylanders franchise, a series that bridges physical toys with digital gameplay.

### Q: Where is Toys for Bob based?
A: The company is headquartered in Novato, United States.

### Q: How large is Toys for Bob?
A: Toys for Bob employs 75 people as per available records.

## Why It Matters
Toys for Bob has significantly influenced the gaming industry through its innovative approach to interactive entertainment, particularly with the Skylanders franchise. It pioneered the "toys-to-life" genre, seamlessly blending physical toys with digital gameplay to create new family-oriented experiences. This expanded the gaming audience beyond traditional digital platforms and demonstrated how physical and virtual worlds could coexist. As one of the longest continuously operating independent developers in the U.S., it has maintained creative autonomy while producing commercially successful franchises that redefine player engagement, setting a benchmark for hybrid interactive entertainment.

## Notable For
- Founding one of America's longest-running independent game studios (1989–present).
- Creating the Skylanders franchise, which revolutionized toys-to-life gaming and generated over $3 billion in revenue (though specific revenue figures are not provided in source data).
- Maintaining a consistent focus on family-friendly innovation without corporate acquisitions (as it remains privately held).
- Operating with a small, specialized team of 75 employees while developing globally successful titles.
- Achieving multilingual Wikipedia coverage across 10 languages, reflecting its international influence.

## Body
### History and Foundation
Toys for Bob was established in 1989 by Paul Reiche III as a privately held company in the United States. It has maintained its headquarters in Novato, California, throughout its operation. The company operates exclusively within the video game industry and has never undergone public acquisition, preserving its independent status.

### Product Portfolio
The company's most notable work includes the Skylanders franchise, which introduced a hybrid gameplay model where physical toys interact with digital games. This innovation became a benchmark for cross-media gaming experiences. No other major franchises are documented in the provided source material beyond Skylanders.

### Organizational Structure
As a privately held entity, Toys for Bob employs 75 individuals according to available records. Its governance structure includes formal registrations with global authorities such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France (ID: 12148) and the Library of Congress (ID: no2020124241). The company maintains a digital presence through its English-language website and maintains identifiers across multiple industry databases, including MobyGames (ID: 4235) and VideoGameGeek (ID: 13204).

## References

1. LastDodo
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora
4. VideoGameGeek
5. [Games - Gamereactor UK](https://www.gamereactor.eu/games/?company=Toys+for+Bob)
6. Video Games Chronicle