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 Casualty of the Live-Service Model
Sequel Scrapped Due to Perceived Underperformance of Crash Bandicoot 4
Gaming historian Liam Robertson reports 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 conceptual stages. Robertson details proposed storylines and concept art, revealing a setting within a villainous children's academy and the return of familiar antagonists.
Remarkably, concept art showcased Spyro, another PlayStation icon revived by Toys for Bob, as a playable character alongside Crash, battling an interdimensional threat impacting both their worlds. Robertson confirms, "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 cancelled sequel are now corroborated by Robertson's detailed report, suggesting that Crash Bandicoot 4's perceived underperformance contributed to Activision's decision.
Activision Rejects Single-Player Sequel Pitches
Activision's shift in focus impacted more than just Crash Bandicoot. 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 and redirected to work on flagship titles like Call of Duty and Diablo.
Tony Hawk himself confirms in Robertson's report that a sequel was planned until Vicarious Visions' absorption. He explains, "That was the plan...We were doing 3 and 4, and then Vicarious got kind of absorbed...and then it was over." He further clarifies that Activision sought alternative studios for the project but ultimately rejected their pitches due to a lack of confidence.
The cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5 and the rejection of the Tony Hawk sequel highlight Activision's strategic realignment towards live-service games, leaving many fans of beloved single-player franchises disappointed.
