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 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, featuring returning antagonists.
Remarkably, concept art showcased Spyro, another PlayStation icon revived by Toys for Bob, as a playable character alongside Crash, battling an interdimensional threat. Robertson confirms, "Crash and Spyro were intended to be the two playable characters."
The cancellation rumors initially surfaced from former Toys for Bob concept artist Nicholas Kole. Robertson's report corroborates this, suggesting that Crash Bandicoot 4's perceived underperformance, coupled with Activision's live-service strategy, influenced the decision.
Activision Rejects Single-Player Sequel Pitches
Activision's shift in focus appears to have impacted other franchises. Robertson's reporting also reveals the rejection of a pitch for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, a sequel to the successful remakes. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was subsequently absorbed into Activision, working on Call of Duty and Diablo instead.
Tony Hawk himself confirms these events, stating that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 was planned until Vicarious Visions' integration into Activision. He explains that Activision solicited pitches from other studios for the sequel but ultimately rejected them due to dissatisfaction.
Hawk emphasizes Activision's lack of confidence in other studios to handle the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise, leading to the project's demise. This highlights the broader impact of Activision's strategic shift away from single-player titles.
