Backyard Hockey
Ice hockey sub-series in the Backyard Sports franchise.
Backyard Hockey is a series of ice hockey video games within the Backyard Sports franchise, created by Humongous Entertainment and published by Infogrames/Atari. It was the fifth and final sub-series introduced to the franchise, though not the last sport added overall. Four games make up the series: the original *Backyard Hockey* (2002), *Backyard Hockey 2005* (2004), a Game Boy Advance version (2003), and a Nintendo DS version (2007). The original and updated computer releases were developed solely by Humongous Entertainment, while the two handheld versions were co-developed with Mistic Software. The DS installment is considered the first hockey video game released for that platform in North America. A remastered version of the original game, titled *Backyard Hockey '02*, was released on Steam on November 13, 2025, developed by Mega Cat Studios and published by Playground Productions.
In gameplay, players build teams from 30 unique "Backyard Kids," each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. They may also create a custom player or select from several National Hockey League stars depicted as children, including Steve Yzerman, Mike Modano, Joe Sakic, Jaromír Jágr, Jarome Iginla, Martin Brodeur, and Curtis Joseph. Matches are standard ice hockey, with power-ups appearing at center ice at random intervals. These power-ups grant advantages to the team that secures them, such as causing all opposing players to fall or granting super speed. Unlike most hockey games, fighting is not allowed; instead, disputes are settled by rock-paper-scissors, with the loser going to the penalty box. A few other penalties are also called.
- series_creator
- Humongous Entertainment
- publisher
- Infogrames/Atari
- first_release
- Backyard Hockey (2002)
- last_release
- Backyard Hockey for Nintendo DS (2007)
- total_installments
- 4
- platforms
- PC, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS
- notable_feature
- Fighting replaced by rock-paper-scissors
Lore & Background
The Backyard Hockey series was developed primarily by Humongous Entertainment, with the original and updated computer releases created solely by that studio. The two handheld versions for Nintendo systems were co-developed with Mistic Software. The Nintendo DS installment is regarded as the first hockey video game released in North America for that platform. A remastered version of the original game, titled Backyard Hockey '02, was released on Steam on November 13, 2025, developed by Mega Cat Studios and published by Playground Productions.
Reader's Guide
Backyard Hockey holds significance as the fifth and final sub-series introduced in the Backyard Sports franchise, expanding the franchise into ice hockey. Its gameplay follows the series formula, allowing players to create teams from 30 unique 'Backyard Kids' or choose from child versions of National Hockey League players such as Steve Yzerman, Mike Modano, Joe Sakic, Jaromír Jágr, Jarome Iginla, Martin Brodeur, and Curtis Joseph. The series is notable for replacing fighting with a rock-paper-scissors mechanic that sends the loser to the penalty box, and for including power-ups that appear at center ice. The Nintendo DS installment is historically notable as the first hockey video game released in North America for that platform. The 2025 remaster of the original game demonstrates continued interest in the series.
Did You Know?
- Backyard Hockey is the fifth and last introduced sub-series in the Backyard Sports franchise.
- Fighting is not allowed in Backyard Hockey; it is replaced by rock-paper-scissors with the loser going to the penalty box.
- The Nintendo DS version is regarded as the first hockey video game released in North America for that platform.
- A remastered version titled Backyard Hockey '02 was released on Steam on November 13, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Backyard Hockey?
Backyard Hockey is an ice hockey sub-series within the Backyard Sports franchise, created by Humongous Entertainment. It was the fifth and final sport sub-series introduced to the Backyard Sports lineup, though it was not the last sport added to the franchise overall.
Who published and developed Backyard Hockey?
Infogrames/Atari handled publishing, while Humongous Entertainment developed the PC titles. The two handheld entries—the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS versions—were co-developed with Mistic Software.
How many games are in the Backyard Hockey series?
There are four installments: the original Backyard Hockey (2002), Backyard Hockey 2005 (2004), a Game Boy Advance port (2003), and a Nintendo DS release (2007).
What platforms was Backyard Hockey released on?
The series appeared on PC, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS. The PC versions were the primary releases, while the handhelds served as portable adaptations.
What is the release timeline for Backyard Hockey?
The series launched in 2002 with the original PC title and ran through 2007 with the Nintendo DS entry. The Game Boy Advance version arrived in 2003, and the updated PC sequel, Backyard Hockey 2005, followed in 2004.
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