Skylanders Giants announced by Activision

Activision has unsurprisingly announced a sequel to 2011 smash hit Skylanders.

Skylanders Giants introduces eight brand new figures that are over twice the size of the established cast – both in the game and in real life. Eight new traditional sized characters will also be introduced.

They also feature new in-built light technology that activates when the figures come close to the game’s Portal of Power peripheral. Interestingly, batteries are not required.

Characters from the original game will be compatible with the sequel. An array of new online modes has also been confirmed.

"Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure’s success in 2011 validated an exciting idea—that with the right technology, and the creative minds to support it with engaging characters and story, we could define a new model for children’s play," Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg stated.

"Skylanders Giantsmarks the evolution of this core concept. We’ve got super-sized figures, remarkably cool new characters that light up, as if by magic, and more ways to play and explore Skylands than ever before."

Toys R Us has been named as the game’s premiere retail partner in the US once more.

"While it was still in development, we recognized the potential thatSkylandershad to connect with our customers due to its unique merging of physical and digital play," the retailer’s chairman and CEO Jerry Storch stated.

"The game was an enormous success last holiday shopping season, and the toys seem to evaporate as soon as they arrive on our store shelves.We’re excited to continue our enthusiastic support forSkylanderswith a comprehensive, global marketing program to introduceGiantsto our customers."

The original game, Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure was a bigger hit than you might think.

Activision’s the new kids IP just about crept into last year’s Top 50 chart at No. 48. But, if you add in the various character packs available to buy at Tesco, Toys ‘R’ Us and most major games retailers, the title would have been the eighth biggest seller of

Chart-Track revealed to MCV the title was the 13th highest cash generative game of 2011 in the UK. Activision says it was the No.1 best-selling kids game franchise in 2011 and the strongest performing new IP.