Crash Bandicoot 5 Would've Had Spyro As Playable Character

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 initially under development at Toys for Bob. This article explores the reasons behind the cancellation and its implications for other single-player franchises.

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

Underperformance and the Sequel's Demise

Gaming historian Liam Robertson revealed 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 prioritization of live-service titles resulted in the project's cancellation and reallocation of resources.

Toys for Bob, the studio behind the successful Crash Bandicoot revival, had already begun conceptualizing Crash Bandicoot 5, including story outlines and concept art. The game was envisioned as a villainous children's school setting, featuring returning antagonists.

Crash Bandicoot 5 Would've Had Spyro As Playable Character Concept art even showcased Spyro, another PlayStation icon revitalized by Toys for Bob, as a playable character alongside Crash, fighting an interdimensional threat. Robertson stated that "Crash and Spyro were intended to be the two playable characters."

Former Toys for Bob concept artist Nicholas Kole's earlier hints on X regarding a canceled sequel are now corroborated by Robertson's report, suggesting that Crash Bandicoot 4's perceived underperformance, coupled with Activision's live-service focus, contributed to the decision.

Activision's Rejection of Single-Player Projects

Crash Bandicoot 5 Would've Had Spyro As Playable Character Activision's shift in focus impacted more than just Crash Bandicoot. A proposed Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, a sequel to the successful remakes, was also rejected. Vicarious Visions, the studio responsible for the remakes, was absorbed into Activision and redirected to work on major franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo.

Tony Hawk himself confirmed in Robertson's report that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 was planned until Vicarious Visions' integration into Activision. He explained that after the studio's absorption, Activision sought other developers for the project but ultimately rejected all pitches due to dissatisfaction.

Crash Bandicoot 5 Would've Had Spyro As Playable Character This highlights Activision's clear prioritization of live-service games over single-player sequels, even for established and beloved franchises.