Spyro Set to Join Crash Bandicoot 5 as Playable Character

Activision's shift towards live-service games reportedly led to the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5, a project in development at Toys for Bob. This article delves into the reasons behind the cancellation and explores the impact of Activision's live-service strategy on other franchises.

Crash Bandicoot 5: A Casualty of the Live-Service Model

Insufficient Performance of Crash Bandicoot 4

Gaming historian Liam Robertson revealed that Crash Bandicoot 5, a planned single-player 3D platformer sequel to Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, was in early development at Toys for Bob. However, the project was scrapped as Activision prioritized live-service multiplayer titles, reallocating resources accordingly.

Toys for Bob, known for revitalizing the Crash Bandicoot franchise, had initiated pre-production on Crash Bandicoot 5. Early concepts included a villainous children's school setting and the return of familiar antagonists.

Concept art showcased a surprising collaboration: Spyro, another PlayStation icon successfully revived by Toys for Bob, would have been a playable character alongside Crash, battling an interdimensional threat. Robertson confirmed, "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 was later substantiated by Robertson's report. The decision to cancel Crash Bandicoot 5 seemingly stemmed from both the perceived underperformance of Crash Bandicoot 4 and Activision's strategic shift towards live-service games.

Activision's Rejection of Single-Player Sequel Pitches

Activision's focus on live-service games impacted other franchises. Robertson's reporting also highlighted the rejection of a pitch for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, a sequel to the successful Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 remake. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was subsequently absorbed into Activision and reassigned to work on flagship titles like Call of Duty and Diablo.

Tony Hawk himself contributed to Robertson's report, confirming the existence of plans for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 until Vicarious Visions' integration into Activision. He explained that after the studio's absorption, Activision sought alternative developers but ultimately deemed the pitches unsatisfactory.

Hawk further clarified that Activision's lack of confidence in other studios to handle the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise ultimately led to the cancellation of the project.