What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Playground Productions has released Backyard Football '99 on Steam and mobile platforms, reviving the popular Backyard Sports series. The game features a cast of child athletes alongside younger versions of NFL legends such as Barry Sanders, Dan Marino, and Jerry Rice. Notably, Brett Favre is absent from the roster, replaced by a new character, Chase Downfield. Unlike the original 1999 release, the remaster does not include NFL team names or logos, offering fictional team names instead. The game aims to capture the nostalgic essence of the original, with familiar visuals and audio.
Why It's Important?
The release of Backyard Football '99 taps into the nostalgia of fans who grew up playing the original game, potentially expanding its audience to new players. By omitting NFL branding, the game avoids licensing issues while still providing an engaging experience. This move could influence other game developers to explore similar strategies in reviving classic titles. The game's launch coincides with the NFL season, potentially boosting interest and sales among football fans.
What's Next?
Playground Productions plans to release remasters of other Backyard Sports titles, including Backyard Basketball '01 and Backyard Hockey '02. While no release dates have been announced, these upcoming titles could further solidify the series' comeback and attract a broader audience. The success of Backyard Football '99 may encourage the company to explore additional remasters or new entries in the series.
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