National Spyro Day

Purple dragon with wings, surrounded by a vibrant fantasy landscape, wearing a superhero cape and goggles.. — National spyro day illustration

Welcome to National Spyro Day, a day dedicated to everyone's favorite purple dragon! Get ready to embark on an adventure filled with fire-breathing fun and nostalgia. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Spyro universe, this special day is all about celebrating this iconic video game character.

When is Spyro Day?

It's national spyro day on the 12th August.

A Brief History of Spyro

Created by Insomniac Games, Spyro the Dragon made his grand debut in 1998 on the PlayStation. This lovable, purple dragon quickly captured the hearts of gamers around the world with his charming personality, witty dialogue, and exciting platforming adventures.

Spyro's first adventure, 'Spyro the Dragon,' took players on a quest to save his dragon friends from the evil Gnasty Gnorc. With his ability to breathe fire, glide through the sky, and charge at enemies, Spyro became an instant sensation.

Over the years, Spyro starred in several sequels and spin-offs, including 'Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!' and 'Spyro: Year of the Dragon.' Each game introduced new challenges, colorful worlds, and unforgettable characters that kept players hooked.

With his cute, yet mischievous nature, Spyro became a beloved mascot for Sony's PlayStation. He even crossed over to other platforms, making appearances on Game Boy Advance, Xbox, and more recently, in the 'Skylanders' series.

Why Do We Celebrate National Spyro Day?

National Spyro Day is a chance for fans to come together and relive their fondest memories of playing Spyro games. It's a day to appreciate the incredible world-building, the catchy music, and the joyous moments that this little purple dragon has brought into our lives.

Whether you prefer exploring the Artisans World, challenging yourself in the Beast Makers, or finding hidden gems in the Magic Crafters, this day is all about bringing back those warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia.

So dust off your PlayStation, fire up your gaming console, and embark on an adventure with Spyro once again. Celebrate National Spyro Day by sharing your favorite Spyro moments with friends, revisiting the classic games, or even trying out the newer installments in the series.

History behind the term 'Spyro'

1998

The birth of a video game hero

In 1998, the world was introduced to a lovable purple dragon named Spyro. Created by Insomniac Games, Spyro the Dragon was the main character in a popular video game series for the PlayStation console. His charming personality and adventurous spirit made him an instant hit among gamers of all ages.

1998

The Birth of Spyro

In 1998, the world was introduced to the beloved purple dragon known as Spyro. Developed by Insomniac Games, the video game 'Spyro the Dragon' was released for the Sony PlayStation. This iconic character quickly captured the hearts of gamers with his charming personality and exciting adventures.

1998

The Birth of Spyro

In 1998, the video game developer Insomniac Games released a platform game called 'Spyro the Dragon.' This game introduced the world to Spyro, a small purple dragon with an attitude and a mission to save his fellow dragon friends from an evil sorcerer. The game became an instant hit and quickly gained a loyal following.

1998

The Birth of Spyro

In 1998, video game developer Insomniac Games released a platform game called 'Spyro the Dragon' for the Sony PlayStation. The game introduced players to a young purple dragon named Spyro, who embarked on an adventure to save his fellow dragons and reclaim the stolen treasure. Spyro quickly became a beloved character in the gaming world, known for his charm, wit, and ability to breathe fire.

1998

The Birth of a Purple Dragon

In the year 1998, the iconic video game character Spyro made his debut in the game 'Spyro the Dragon' for the Sony PlayStation. Created by Insomniac Games, Spyro quickly became a beloved character known for his vibrant purple color and his ability to breathe fire. The game's success led to the development of a whole franchise centered around this spunky dragon.

1998

The Birth of a Dragon

In 1998, video game developer Insomniac Games released a colorful and vibrant platformer game called 'Spyro the Dragon' for the PlayStation console. The game follows the adventures of Spyro, a young purple dragon with the ability to breathe fire. Spyro quickly became popular among gamers for its engaging gameplay mechanics and charming characters.

1998

The Birth of a Purple Dragon

In 1998, the term 'spyro' was introduced to the world with the release of the video game 'Spyro the Dragon' for the Sony PlayStation. Created by Insomniac Games, 'Spyro the Dragon' featured a young, purple dragon as the main character, who embarked on various adventures and showcased his ability to breathe fire and fly. The game quickly gained popularity among gamers for its vibrant visuals, delightful gameplay, and memorable protagonist.

1998

The Birth of a Dragon

In 1998, a video game titled 'Spyro the Dragon' was released for the PlayStation console. Developed by Insomniac Games, the game featured a young purple dragon named Spyro as the protagonist. The game became a huge hit and gained a dedicated fanbase, introducing the term 'Spyro' to the world.

1999

Continued Success and Sequels

Following the success of the first game, the 'Spyro' franchise expanded with the release of 'Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!' in 1999. The sequel introduced new worlds, challenges, and abilities for Spyro. It further solidified the popularity of the character and the term 'Spyro' within the gaming community.

2000

Popularity Soars with Sequels

Following the success of the original game, Insomniac Games released several sequels in the years that followed. In 2000, 'Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!' came out, followed by 'Spyro: Year of the Dragon' in 2000. These sequels further cemented Spyro's status as an iconic video game character, attracting a dedicated fanbase and garnering critical acclaim for their innovative gameplay mechanics and vibrant worlds.

2002

The Reignition

Four years after the release of the original game, Insomniac Games launched 'Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly' for the PlayStation 2. This marked the beginning of a new era for the beloved dragon as he ventured into new worlds and faced more challenges. 'Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly' maintained the charm and popularity of the franchise, solidifying Spyro's place in the gaming industry.

1999

Spyro's Continuing Success

Following the success of the first game, Spyro's popularity soared in 1999 with the release of 'Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!' The game featured new environments, more challenging gameplay mechanics, and expanded lore surrounding Spyro's world. Fans eagerly embraced this sequel, solidifying Spyro's status as a beloved video game character.

2000

The Spyro Franchise Expands

In the year 2000, 'Spyro the Dragon' became more than just a standalone game as Insomniac Games released 'Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!' This sequel further entrenched the term 'spyro' in the gaming lexicon. It introduced new worlds, challenges, and abilities for the lovable purple dragon, cementing his status as a beloved video game character.

1999

Expanding the Franchise

Following the success of the first game, Insomniac Games released 'Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!' in 1999. This sequel further popularized the term 'Spyro' and expanded the dragon's world with new environments, challenges, and characters. The franchise gained even more traction, solidifying 'Spyro' as a recognizable term within the gaming community.

2004

Spyro Gets a Movie Adaptation

In 2004, Spyro made his way to the big screen with the release of 'Spyro: A Hero's Tail,' an animated film based on the video game franchise. The movie allowed fans to see their favorite dragon in a new medium, further expanding Spyro's popularity.

1999

Spyro takes flight

The popularity of Spyro grew even further in 1999 with the release of "Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!" This sequel introduced new gameplay mechanics and expanded the dragon's world, captivating players with its vibrant graphics and engaging storyline. Spyro's ability to fly using his wings became one of his most iconic features.

2006

Reimagining Spyro for a New Generation

In 2006, Spyro underwent a major revamp with the release of 'The Legend of Spyro' trilogy. This new series of games aimed to reinvent the character and his world, giving him a darker and more mature storyline. Despite the departure from the original games, these titles brought in a new fanbase and kept the Spyro legacy alive.

2000

The Year of Variety

In the year 2000, the 'Spyro' franchise continued to grow with the release of 'Spyro: Year of the Dragon.' This third installment in the series introduced new playable characters and expanded gameplay mechanics. With each release, 'Spyro' garnered more fans and became an iconic figure in the world of video games.

2000

The Year of Trilogy

2000 marked the release of 'Spyro: Year of the Dragon,' completing the original trilogy. This installment introduced players to a diverse range of playable characters and brought a satisfying conclusion to Spyro's adventures. The term 'Spyro' became even more deeply ingrained in the gaming industry as players eagerly embraced this beloved dragon franchise.

2000

A trilogy of adventures

In the year 2000, the Spyro franchise reached new heights with the release of "Spyro: Year of the Dragon," the third installment in the series. This game featured an even more expansive world, introducing new playable characters and thrilling quests. It became one of the best-selling PlayStation games of all time.

2000

Spyro's Jump to the Big Screen

The year 2000 marked an exciting milestone for Spyro as he made his debut on the big screen in the animated film 'Spyro: A Hero's Tail.' This film brought the dragon's adventures to a wider audience and further established Spyro's place in popular culture. It was a thrilling moment for fans to see their favorite character in a different medium.

2006

The Legend Continues

In 2006, Sierra Entertainment released 'The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning.' This game served as a reboot for the franchise, introducing a fresh storyline and refined gameplay. Players got to experience Spyro's origin story, diving deeper into his character and the rich world surrounding him. This installment revitalized the Spyro series and expanded its fan base.

2006

A New Beginning for Spyro

In 2006, Spyro underwent a significant revamp with the release of 'The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning.' Developed by Krome Studios, this game provided players with an origin story, delving into Spyro's early years and expanding the lore of the character. With improved graphics and a more mature tone, 'The Legend of Spyro' began appealing to a wider audience, attracting both long-term fans and newcomers alike.

2006

Transition to The Legend of Spyro

In 2006, Spyro underwent a significant revamp with the release of 'The Legend of Spyro' series. Developed by Krome Studios and published by Sierra Entertainment, the new trilogy aimed to refresh the franchise and explore a more epic and mature storyline for the dragon. This transition attracted a new audience while still keeping the loyal fans engaged with Spyro's adventures.

2006

The Legend Lives On in 'The Legend of Spyro' Trilogy

In 2006, Spyro underwent a revamp with the release of 'The Legend of Spyro' trilogy. This series took a more mature and epic approach to the dragon's story, providing deeper narratives and impressive visuals. Although it introduced new gameplay mechanics, this reinvention managed to retain the essence of Spyro, captivating both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

2006

Spyro's evolution

After several successful years, the original Spyro series underwent a significant transformation in 2006. The character was redesigned and featured in "The Legend of Spyro" series, which offered a more mature and action-packed storyline. This reboot introduced a new generation to the beloved purple dragon.

2011

Skylanders Introduces a New Generation

In 2011, Spyro made a crossover appearance in the game 'Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.' This game introduced a unique concept of real-life toy figures that could be transported into the game through a portal device. Spyro became one of the main characters in the 'Skylanders' franchise, captivating a new generation of young players and expanding his fanbase even further.

2011

Spyro Joins Forces with Skylanders

2011 marked a significant turning point for Spyro as he became a central character in the 'Skylanders' franchise. In 'Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure,' Spyro was reimagined once again as a collectible toy figure that could be brought to life in the game. This innovative approach to gaming and the introduction of Spyro into a larger universe catapulted the purple dragon to even greater heights.

2006

Transition to the Skylanders Era

After a hiatus, 'Spyro' returned in a different form in 2006. The video game company Toys for Bob introduced 'Spyro the Dragon' as a playable character in their new game series called 'Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.' The game incorporated physical toy figures that players could place on a portal to bring characters to life within the virtual world, providing a unique interactive experience.

2004

Continuing the Legacy

While the original trilogy was considered a significant success, the 'Spyro' franchise continued to evolve. In 2004, a new series titled 'The Legend of Spyro' was launched, featuring a more mature and dramatic storyline. This revamped version of Spyro reached a new generation of players and kept the term 'Spyro' at the forefront of gaming culture.

2011

Skylanders Soars

The year 2011 marked a significant turning point for Spyro with the release of 'Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.' This game introduced a new concept where players could collect physical toy figures and bring them to life within the game. Spyro became one of the main characters in the Skylanders franchise, which went on to become a massive success, generating billions of dollars in revenue.

2011

Skylanders Introduces Spyro to a New Generation

In 2011, the 'spyro' term experienced a resurgence of popularity with the release of 'Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.' This game merged physical toy figures with a virtual video game world, pioneering the concept of toys-to-life. Spyro served as one of the central characters in the Skylanders franchise, engaging players of all ages and introducing a new generation to the beloved purple dragon.

2018

Spyro's Remastered Return

Twenty years after his debut, Spyro the Dragon made a triumphant comeback with the release of the 'Spyro Reignited Trilogy' in 2018. This remastered collection brought the original three games to modern platforms, featuring stunning graphics and enhanced gameplay. It allowed fans to relive their cherished memories while introducing Spyro to a new generation of gamers.

2018

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Spyro, game developer Toys for Bob released the 'Spyro Reignited Trilogy' in 2018. This remastered collection included visually stunning versions of the original three Spyro games with updated graphics and gameplay. The trilogy received critical acclaim, reminding both longtime fans and newcomers of Spyro's enduring popularity and timeless appeal.

2018

The Reignited Remaster

As video game remasters gained popularity, 'Spyro Reignited Trilogy' was released in 2018. This enhanced collection beautifully remastered the original three games, bringing back nostalgic memories for long-time fans and introducing Spyro to a new audience. The term 'Spyro' experienced a resurgence as players rediscovered the magic of the dragon's adventures in high-definition glory.

2018

The Rekindled Flame

In 2018, Spyro returned in all his glory with the 'Spyro Reignited Trilogy.' This collection included remastered versions of the original three Spyro games: 'Spyro the Dragon,' 'Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!,' and 'Spyro: Year of the Dragon.' The updated graphics and nostalgia factor ignited the passions of both longtime fans and new players alike, reminding the world of Spyro's enduring charm and appeal.

2011

Expanding Franchise and Cultural Impact

The 'Skylanders' franchise achieved tremendous success, generating billions of dollars in revenue and captivating a wide audience, not only among video game enthusiasts but also children and families. The term 'Spyro' remained a central part of the franchise, representing both the character and the vibrant and imaginative world associated with it.

2011

Spyro returns to his roots

"Spyro the Dragon" made a comeback in 2011 with the release of "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure." This unique game combined physical toy figures with video game elements, allowing players to bring their Spyro figurines into the virtual world. The successful "Skylanders" franchise revitalized interest in the iconic purple dragon.

2021

Spyro's Enduring Legacy

As of 2021, the term 'spyro' has transcended its initial gaming origins and has become a cultural phenomenon. Despite multiple game releases, the beloved dragon's impact extends beyond the virtual realm. Spyro has appeared in various forms of media, from TV shows to merchandise, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in pop culture.

2018

Spyro's Triumphant Return

After years of absence, Spyro made a triumphant comeback in 2018 with the 'Spyro Reignited Trilogy.' This collection remastered the original three games, allowing both longtime fans and new players to experience the magic of Spyro in stunning HD graphics. The release reignited nostalgia and brought Spyro back into the spotlight, reminding everyone of the timeless charm of this iconic character.

2021

Spyro's enduring legacy

Even after more than two decades since his debut, Spyro continues to be a beloved character in the gaming community. His appearances in various spin-offs, crossovers, and remastered versions of his original games keep his legacy alive. Spyro's impact extends beyond gaming as well, inspiring fan art, merchandise, and even a feature film in development.

Present

Enduring Legacy

Today, 'Spyro' continues to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers and pop culture enthusiasts alike. The term 'Spyro' has become synonymous with a beloved purple dragon and the imaginative worlds he explores. From video games to merchandise and even an upcoming animated series, 'Spyro' remains an enduring cultural icon, reminding us of the magic and adventure encapsulated within the term.

Did you know?

Did you know that Spyro's original name during development was 'Pete the Dragon'? Luckily, the creators decided to go with the much catchier and more memorable name, Spyro!