Reports indicate Activision's shift towards live-service games led to the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5, a project reportedly in development at Toys for Bob. This article delves into the reasons behind the cancellation, exploring Activision's live-service strategy and its impact on other projects.
Activision's Live-Service Focus Leads to Crash Bandicoot 5 Cancellation
Crash Bandicoot 4's Performance Impacts Sequel Development
Gaming historian Liam Robertson reveals that Crash Bandicoot 5, a planned single-player 3D platformer and direct sequel to *Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time*, was in early development. However, Activision's reallocation of resources to prioritize live-service titles resulted in the project's shelving.Toys for Bob, known for revitalizing the Crash Bandicoot franchise, had begun conceptualizing Crash Bandicoot 5, set in a villainous children's school and featuring returning antagonists.
Concept art suggests a unique twist: Spyro, another PlayStation icon revived by Toys for Bob, was to be a playable character alongside Crash, battling an interdimensional threat. Robertson states, "Crash and Spyro were intended to be the two playable characters."
Former Toys for Bob concept artist Nicholas Kole's earlier hints on X (formerly Twitter) regarding a cancelled sequel are now substantiated by Robertson's report. Activision's decision appears driven by the perceived underperformance of Crash Bandicoot 4 and the company's broader shift towards live-service games.
Activision Rejects Single-Player Sequel Pitches
Activision's strategic shift impacted other franchises. A proposed Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, a sequel to the successful remakes, was reportedly rejected. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was subsequently absorbed into Activision, focusing on titles like 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. He explains that Activision sought alternative studios for the project but ultimately deemed the pitches unsatisfactory.
Hawk highlights Activision's lack of confidence in studios other than Vicarious Visions as a key factor in the cancellation. This underscores the impact of Activision's internal restructuring on the development of future single-player titles.
