If you grew up in the 1990s, it’s likely you remember your first days playing on a home computer, experiencing the magic of the early internet, and maybe even playing through an educational video game or two. You might even have played a title from the Backyard Sports series, as one of many popular, well-distributed Humongous Entertainment games of this era.
Humongous Entertainment was a massive name in kid-friendly games of the 1990s, and it produced an array of adventure and sports-focussed titles, from Backyard Baseball to Spy Fox, Putt-Putt, Freddi Fish, and Pajama Sam.
While the company has long been under new ownership, its titles have lived on thanks to various re-releases – and as recently announced by Playground Productions and Mega Cat Studios, its Backyard Baseball series is actually set to get a brand new sequel this year.
Backyard Baseball reboot announced – quick links
What to know about the Backyard Sports reboot
As shown off in a new trailer, Playground Productions and Mega Cat Studios are rebooting Backyard Baseball for a new era. It’s seemingly treading the middle ground of attracting a whole new audience, while leaning into retro nostalgia, as it replicates the art style of the original game, with new, 3D character models.
The gangs all here, with Pablo Sanchez once again leading the action.
Players can expect a cast of 30 characters to pick from, with each character being diverse and multi-skilled (a highly-praised feature of the original game). There will be 24 teams to align yourself with, and 11 stadiums to play through.
In addition, there will be four game modes available, including some new-to-series options.
Backyard Baseball is a modern experience, but with classic sensibilities
Here’s the official description, via Steam: ‘New game modes. New ways to play. Unlockables to chase and achievements to earn! Welcome to the all-new Backyard Baseball. Launching in [July] 2026, this reimagined version of an all-time classic blends the best of modern gaming with the timeless charm that made it legendary.’
‘The all-new Backyard Baseball offers something for players of any age and ability. Tutorials, accessibility features, and simple modes like T-ball make it the perfect intro to both baseball and gaming, while competitive modes give experienced players the chance to bunt, steal, and grind their way to victory. Everyone is welcome in the Backyard.’
In its description, the developer has confirmed that while the game is modern, it will be entirely classic by design. It includes all manner of rewards, but will not include microtransactions.
‘Our game is packed full of exciting achievements, unlockable characters, and collectible rewards,’ the game’s Steam description reads. ‘One thing you won’t find: microtransactions. Backyard Baseball is a fully modern game, but when it comes to rewards, we’re proudly old-school: earn them!’
For the nostalgic gamer, Mega Cat Studios and Playground Productions are making all the right noises.
Those keen to see what a modern Backyard Baseball adaptation looks like should keep an eye on this upcoming reboot as it heads to launch for PC and consoles on 9 July.
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