"Crash Bandicoot 5: Spyro Joins as Playable Character"

The gaming world was recently hit with disappointing news regarding the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5. According to a detailed report by gaming historian Liam Robertson of DidYouKnowGaming, the anticipated sequel was in development at Toys for Bob but was ultimately shelved. This decision by Activision, the publisher behind the franchise, appears to be part of a broader shift towards prioritizing live service multiplayer games over traditional single-player titles.

Crash Bandicoot 4 Didn’t Do Well Enough for a Sequel

Toys for Bob, the studio credited with breathing new life into the Crash Bandicoot series, had already begun conceptualizing Crash Bandicoot 5 as a direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. The project was to be a single-player 3D platformer set in a school for villainous children, featuring returning antagonists and even introducing Spyro as a playable character alongside Crash. Concept art revealed by Robertson showcased an ambitious narrative involving an interdimensional threat to both Crash and Spyro's worlds.

The cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5 was hinted at by Nicholas Kole, a former concept artist at Toys for Bob, on social media platform X. Liam Robertson's report further corroborates this, suggesting that the decision was influenced by the perceived underperformance of Crash Bandicoot 4 and Activision's strategic pivot towards live service games.

Activision Shoots Down Pitches for Other Single-Player Sequels

Activision's focus on live service games has not only affected the Crash Bandicoot franchise but also other beloved series. Liam Robertson's report also revealed that a pitch for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, a sequel to the successful Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 remake, was rejected. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was redirected to work on Activision's mainline franchises such as Call of Duty and Diablo.

Tony Hawk, the pro skater himself, provided insights into the situation, explaining that plans for remaking Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 were in place until Vicarious Visions was fully absorbed by Activision. Hawk noted that Activision tried to find another developer for the project but ultimately decided against it, not finding any pitch satisfactory.

The shift in Activision's strategy towards live service models has led to significant changes in the gaming landscape, leaving fans of traditional single-player experiences disappointed but hopeful for future developments in their favorite franchises.