Spyro Revealed for the Unreleased 'Crash Bandicoot 5' Game

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 its impact on other projects.

Crash Bandicoot 5: A Live-Service Casualty

Sequel Scrapped Due to Perceived Underperformance of Predecessor

Gaming historian Liam Robertson revealed that Toys for Bob, the studio behind the Crash Bandicoot revival, had begun pre-production on Crash Bandicoot 5. However, Activision's prioritization of live-service titles resulted in the project's cancellation and reallocation of resources.

The planned single-player 3D platformer, a direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, was in its early stages of conceptualization. Robertson details proposed storylines and concept art, including a villainous children's school setting and returning antagonists.

Notably, concept art showcased Spyro, another Toys for Bob revitalized franchise icon, as 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 X post hinted at the cancellation, which Robertson's report attributes to both the shift towards live-service games and Crash Bandicoot 4's perceived underperformance.

Activision Rejects Single-Player Sequel Proposals

Activision's strategic shift impacted other franchises. Robertson also reports 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, diverting its focus to Call of Duty and Diablo.

Tony Hawk himself confirmed the existence of plans for 3+4 in Robertson's report, stating that the project was underway until Vicarious Visions' integration into Activision. He explains that Activision solicited alternative pitches for the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise from other studios, but ultimately rejected them, effectively ending the project.

Hawk further clarifies that Activision's lack of confidence in studios other than Vicarious Visions contributed to the cancellation. This highlights the impact of Activision's internal restructuring on the development of future single-player titles.