Activision's shift towards live-service games reportedly led to the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5, a project in development at Toys for Bob. This article explores the reasons behind the cancellation and the broader impact of Activision's live-service strategy.

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

Crash Bandicoot 4's Performance Impacts Sequel Development

Gaming historian Liam Robertson reveals that Crash Bandicoot 5, a planned single-player 3D platformer sequel to Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, was in early development at Toys for Bob. However, the project was scrapped due to Activision's reallocation of resources to prioritize its live-service games.

Robertson's report details the game's early concepts, including a villainous children's school setting and the return of familiar antagonists. Concept art even showcased Spyro, another PlayStation icon revived by Toys for Bob, as a playable character alongside Crash, fighting an interdimensional threat. "The intention was to make Crash and Spyro dual playable characters," Robertson stated.

This cancellation aligns with a previous hint from former Toys for Bob concept artist Nicholas Kole. Robertson suggests that Crash Bandicoot 4's perceived underperformance further influenced Activision's decision.

Activision's Focus on Live Service Impacts Other Franchises

Activision's strategic shift isn't limited to Crash Bandicoot. Robertson also reports that a pitch for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, a sequel to the successful remakes, was rejected. Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the remakes, was subsequently absorbed into Activision and redirected to work on major franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo.

Tony Hawk himself confirmed the existence of the planned sequels, stating that development was underway until Vicarious Visions' integration into Activision. He further explained that Activision solicited alternative pitches for the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise from other studios but ultimately rejected them.