Spyro to Join Crash Bandicoot in Scrapped Sequel

Activision's shift to live-service games reportedly led to the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5, a project initially in development at Toys for Bob. This article explores the cancellation, its potential causes, and the broader impact on Activision's game development strategy.

Crash Bandicoot 5: A Casualty of Live-Service Focus

Crash Bandicoot 4's Performance Impacts Sequel Development

Gaming historian Liam Robertson reveals that a Crash Bandicoot 5 project, envisioned as a single-player 3D platformer, was underway at Toys for Bob. However, Activision's prioritization of live-service titles resulted in the project's cancellation and the reallocation of resources.

Toys for Bob, known for revitalizing the Crash Bandicoot franchise, had begun early conceptualization under the working title "Crash Bandicoot 5," a direct sequel to "Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time."

Robertson's report details story concepts and artwork, including a villainous children's school setting and returning antagonists. Remarkably, Spyro, another PlayStation icon revived by Toys for Bob, was planned as a playable character alongside Crash, battling an interdimensional threat impacting both their worlds. Robertson states, "Crash and Spyro were intended to be the two playable characters."

The initial hint of the cancellation came from former Toys for Bob concept artist Nicholas Kole. Robertson's report suggests that Activision's decision stemmed from a focus on live-service games and perceived underperformance of the previous installment.

Activision's Rejection of Single-Player Projects

Activision's shift impacted more than just Crash Bandicoot. Robertson's reporting also reveals the rejection of a pitch for "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4," a sequel to the successful remakes. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was subsequently absorbed into Activision and assigned to other projects like Call of Duty and Diablo.

Tony Hawk himself confirmed that a sequel was planned until Vicarious Visions' absorption. He explained that while pitches for "3+4" were sought from other studios, Activision ultimately deemed them unsatisfactory.

Hawk's statement highlights Activision's difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Vicarious Visions, ultimately resulting in the cancellation of the project.