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Press release:
CHICAGO — February 26, 2026 — Playground Productions, a children’s and family entertainment company, along with creative-first indie publisher and developer Mega Cat Studios, are thrilled to announce that Backyard Baseball will arrive on PC, Mac, and modern consoles on July 9, 2026.

Announced during today’s IGN Fan Fest, Backyard Baseball is an all-new installment in the fan-favorite franchise. The first new title in the series to hit consoles in 15 years, this entry swings for the fences, bringing the entire backyard gang—including backyard legend Pablo Sanchez–into the third dimension while incorporating 2D elements to heighten the nostalgia.

In addition to the overhauled visuals, Backyard Baseball is poised to deliver a grand slam for fans of the series, offering updated gameplay mechanics and expanded modes, making it the most ambitious entry in the long-running series to date.

Backyard Sports superfans can wishlist the game today on Steam.

“Backyard Baseball is leveling up!” said Lindsay Barnett, CEO of Playground Productions.

“We are thrilled to bring Backyard Baseball into the modern era. The new game offers the perfect combination of the original charm and modern play mechanics audiences have come to expect. We can’t wait for fans to play!”

“Backyard Baseball is a franchise that means so much to so many players, including our team here at Mega Cat Studios,” said James Deighan, CEO and co-founder of Mega Cat Studios.

“We’re incredibly honored to help bring this beloved series back in a way that respects its legacy while introducing a whole new generation to the magic that made it special in the first place. Our goal is simple: capture that same joy, accessibility, and Backyard spirit that fans remember, and build something that feels both timeless and fresh.”

More details about gameplay, features, and additional characters will be revealed in the coming months via socials and BackyardBaseball.com.

The upcoming title will be available on PC, Mac, and consoles, and brings the humor, charm, and accessible gameplay that made the originals a cultural favorite to today’s fans.

First released in 1997, Backyard Baseball became a defining sports game for young audiences, known for its memorable characters and backyard-style competition. The newly announced game is a completely original entry that celebrates the spirit of the franchise while introducing a fresh experience for modern platforms.

Mega Cat Studios, the team behind games like Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit and most recently for God of War: Sons of Sparta, serves as developer of the new game. This continues a collaboration which began in 2024 when the studio helped bring the classic Backyard games back to modern devices.

About Playground Productions

Playground Productions is a children’s and family entertainment company focused on bringing the iconic Backyard Sports franchise back to fans across games, media and consumer products.

For more information, follow Playground Productions on Instagram or playground-productions.com