Crash Bandicoot 5 Would've Had Spyro 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 explores the reasons behind the cancellation and Activision's broader strategy.

Crash Bandicoot 5: A Live-Service Casualty?

Sequel Shelved Due to Live Service Focus

Gaming historian Liam Robertson reveals 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 its live-service initiatives, redirecting resources.

Toys for Bob, known for reviving the Crash Bandicoot franchise, had already begun conceptualizing Crash Bandicoot 5, which was to feature a story set in a villainous children's school, including returning antagonists.

Concept art suggests a unique twist: Spyro, another PlayStation icon revitalized 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."

The cancellation rumors initially surfaced from a former Toys for Bob concept artist, Nicholas Kole. Robertson's report adds context, suggesting that Crash Bandicoot 4's perceived underperformance further contributed to Activision's decision.

Activision's Focus on Live Service Impacts Other Franchises

Activision's strategic shift isn't limited to Crash Bandicoot. Robertson also reports that a pitch for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, a follow-up to the successful Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 remake, was rejected. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was subsequently absorbed into Activision, working on titles like Call of Duty and Diablo.

Tony Hawk himself corroborated this, stating that 3+4 was planned until Vicarious Visions' integration into Activision. He explained that Activision sought alternative studios for the project but ultimately deemed the pitches unsatisfactory.

Hawk noted Activision's lack of confidence in other studios to handle the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise as a key factor in the cancellation. This highlights the impact of Activision's strategic shift on established franchises beyond Crash Bandicoot.