Unveiled: Cancelled Crash Bandicoot 5 x Spyro Crossover Once in Development at Toys for Bob

A recent investigative report from Did You Know Gaming has brought to light the untold story behind the cancelled development of Crash Bandicoot 5, a highly anticipated crossover project between the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon franchises.

Developed by renowned studio Toys for Bob, the crossover was in production for several months in 2020 before its abrupt cancellation by Activision. Crash Bandicoot 5 was envisioned as a bold return to form for both celebrated mascots, with plans for an immersive, lore-driven adventure spanning the universes of Crash and Spyro.

Building upon the groundwork laid by previous entries like Crash Bandicoot: Warped and the secret ending of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, the narrative would have placed the villainous Uka Uka at its center.

Using the power of an interdimensional portal, Uka Uka would travel to Spyro's universe, cast dark magic over the Dragon Elders, and plunge both worlds into chaos—escalating the series’ storytelling to new, darker heights. The setting was intended to revisit the Academy of Evil from Crash Twinsanity, tying together legacy locations with new, richly detailed environments inspired by both series.

According to sources cited in Did You Know Gaming's report, Toys for Bob was exploring ways to refresh classic mechanics with modern gameplay twists.

Among the concepts were the return of Realms from the original Spyro, now transformed by Uka Uka’s influence, collectible dragon feathers, and even the introduction of alternate-universe characters similar to the gender-swapped N.

Tropy from Crash Bandicoot 4. Playable characters would have covered a broad spectrum.

Besides Crash and his sister Coco, Nina Cortex and Spyro himself were set to be featured, with possibilities for solo campaigns and dynamic team-up sequences – including scenarios where Crash could ride on Spyro’s back. Despite the exciting ambitions, development on Crash Bandicoot 5 lasted only three to four months.

The dev team at Toys for Bob primarily focused on concept art and early prototype environments from summer to November 2020, never advancing beyond the pre-production phase.

The project’s momentum was hamstrung by a strategic pivot at Activision, which, in light of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time not fully meeting internal sales projections, opted to move away from large-scale single-player platformers. While the cancellation of this crossover is disappointing to longtime fans, it underscores the risks and complexities intrinsic to modern video game development.

Toys for Bob, previously known for breathing new life into classic IPs and their successful launches on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, showcased yet again their creative potential.

The full scope of Crash Bandicoot 5 remains a fascinating “what if” in gaming history—highlighting how the intersection of business strategy and creative ambition continues to shape the landscape of franchises on platforms including the eShop and beyond.

Toys for Bob Spyro Crash Bandicoot