Spyro Leak Surfaces in Canceled 'Crash Bandicoot 5' Game

Reports indicate that Crash Bandicoot 5, a project under development at Toys for Bob, has been canceled. Activision's shift towards a live-service model is cited as the primary reason for the cancellation. This decision comes despite Toys for Bob's success in reviving the Crash Bandicoot franchise with Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time.

The purported Crash Bandicoot 5 was envisioned as a single-player 3D platformer, a direct sequel to its predecessor. Early development included story concepts centered around a villainous children's school, featuring returning antagonists. Concept art even showcased Spyro, another PlayStation icon revitalized by Toys for Bob, as a playable character alongside Crash, battling an interdimensional threat impacting both their worlds. Liam Robertson, a gaming historian from DidYouKnowGaming, detailed these revelations, corroborating earlier hints from a former Toys for Bob concept artist.

Activision's prioritization of live-service games appears to have impacted other franchises. A proposed sequel to the successful Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 remake, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, was also reportedly rejected. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was absorbed into Activision, resulting in the cancellation of the project. Tony Hawk himself confirmed the existence of plans for a sequel before Vicarious Visions' integration into Activision, highlighting the impact of the publisher's strategic shift. Activision's subsequent attempts to find another studio to develop the sequel proved unsuccessful, ultimately leading to its demise. The cancellation of both Crash Bandicoot 5 and the Tony Hawk sequel underscores Activision's commitment to its live-service strategy, even at the expense of popular single-player titles.