Activision reportedly scrapped Crash Bandicoot 5 featuring Spyro for ‘live service games’

Activision reportedly scrapped Crash Bandicoot 5 featuring Spyro for ‘live service games’

As a long-time fan who’s grown up with these iconic characters, the news about the shelved Crash Bandicoot and Spyro crossover title leaves me feeling like I’ve just stumbled upon an unopened box of Crash Bash cartridges in a dusty old closet – pure nostalgia tinged with a dash of disappointment.


Following the change in ownership, Microsoft has made several popular Activision games available on Game Pass, such as the much-loved series Call of Duty (including Modern Warfare 3 and upcoming Black Ops 6), along with Crash Bandicoot.

In the more recent collection, there are currently three games from the series available on Game Pass. The complete N Sane Trilogy has been added to the subscription service. Rumors suggest that Spyro the Dragon and Tony Hawk may be added soon to expand Activision’s offerings.

It seems that the prospects for these game series are looking positive, but it’s been mentioned that there may have been an opportunity for a joint project between Crash Bandicoot and Spyro franchises, as Activision supposedly postponed such a collaboration in favour of pursuing their “live service” goals.

A Crash Bandicoot and Spyro crossover title has reportedly been scrapped

Activision reportedly scrapped Crash Bandicoot 5 featuring Spyro for ‘live service games’

As reported by gaming historian Liam Robertson, who runs the YouTube channel “Did You Know Gaming?“, it was Crash Bandicoot 5 that was being developed by Toys for Bob prior to their mass layoffs and subsequent acquisition by Activision. After this event, they transformed into an independent development studio.

According to Robertson, initially, Activision approved the title, but it was later scrapped due to unsatisfactory sales of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. Subsequently, they shifted their focus to Crash Team Rumble, a project that also didn’t fare well.

It was revealed that in Crash 5, Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon could both be played, according to Robertson’s statement.

Instead of simply barging in, it appears that the game was designed to offer a sense of interconnectedness across multiple realms, allowing both main characters to co-exist and explore their respective worlds together.

Activision reportedly shelved Crash and Spyro for ‘live service’ ambitions


 

As an enthusiastic gaming fan, I’m thrilled to share that Activision has commenced the recruitment process for a live-service game based on a fresh Intellectual Property (IP). This exciting new addition promises to complement their existing lineup of Call of Duty titles, expanding their portfolio of continuous gameplay experiences.

Shifting focus towards live-service games could potentially phase out characters like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, as they find it challenging to generate revenue beyond game sales. With Activision’s link to Xbox Game Pass, it appears that we may see fewer standalone titles emerging from the Activision studios in the future.

In the world of video games, both Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon carry immense prestige, and it’s quite possible that their absence would be keenly felt should their respective series cease production.

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2024-08-26 15:42