New Skylanders Toys Released to Benefit Autism Awareness

Activision has announced a new Skylanders-based initiative to help raise awareness for autism. The company is releasing new "Light it up Blue" Skylanders toys for April's Autism Awareness Month. The new line of SuperChargers toys are blue and white, modeled after Autism Speaks' official colors.

The new "Power Blue" toys include the characters Splat and Trigger Happy, as well as their vehicles Splatter Splasher and Gold Rusher. The blue and white color scheme of the toys will also be displayed in-game. The toys are available now in the US and Europe and come to Canada on April 1.

"Since the debut of the franchise, we've heard from parents that Skylanders plays a special role in the lives of their kids on the autism spectrum," Skylanders executive Josh Taub said in a statement.

"The entire Skylanders team was deeply committed and proud to bring these special toys to life. If they can put a smile on a child's face, then we know we've done our job right."

Alongside the new toys, Activision is launching an employee education and donation matching program for Autism Awareness Month. Activision is also giving its employees the opportunity to participate in the Autism Speaks Walk on April 2 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

The company said it is also making donations to some autism-related non-profits.

Activision's Skylanders series marks the first time Autism Speaks has partnered with a video game and toy series, "and we couldn't be happier," Autism Speaks vice president Peter Morton said in a statement.

You can learn more about Autism Speaks at the group's website.