Crash Bandicoot 5 Would've Had Spyro As Playable Character

Activision's pivot to live-service games reportedly led to the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5. This article delves into the reasons behind the cancellation, exploring Activision's shift in focus and the impact on other single-player titles.

Activision's Live-Service Focus Cancels Crash Bandicoot 5

Crash Bandicoot 4's Performance Impacts Sequel Development

Gaming historian Liam Robertson reveals that Toys for Bob, the studio behind the Crash Bandicoot revival, had begun pre-production on Crash Bandicoot 5. However, the project was scrapped due to Activision's redirection of resources towards live-service multiplayer games.

Toys for Bob, known for its work on the Crash Bandicoot series and Spyro, had assembled a team to develop a single-player 3D platformer, a direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time.

Robertson's report details story concepts and concept art for the unreleased game. The setting was a school for villainous children, featuring returning antagonists. Interestingly, concept art showcased Spyro as a playable character alongside Crash, fighting an interdimensional threat impacting both their worlds. Robertson states, "Crash and Spyro were intended to be the two playable characters."

Former Toys for Bob concept artist Nicholas Kole hinted at the cancellation on X, which Robertson's report now substantiates, suggesting that Crash Bandicoot 4's perceived underperformance, coupled with Activision's live-service strategy, contributed to the decision.

Activision Rejects Pitches for Other Single-Player Games

Activision's shift in focus impacted other franchises. A proposed sequel to the successful Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 remake, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, was also rejected. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was absorbed into Activision and reassigned to work on Call of Duty and Diablo.

Tony Hawk himself confirms in Robertson's report that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 was planned until Vicarious Visions' integration into Activision. Hawk explains, "That was the plan...We were doing 3 and 4, and then Vicarious got kind of absorbed...and then it was over."

Hawk further clarifies that Activision sought pitches for a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater sequel from other studios but ultimately rejected them due to a lack of confidence in alternative developers.