Crash Bandicoot 5 and Spyro Crossover Project Cancelled by Activision After Missed Sales Targets

In a recent revealing feature from renowned game historian Liam Robertson, as seen on the DidYouKnowGaming YouTube channel, new details have surfaced regarding the once-in-development 'Crash Bandicoot 5' and a Nintendo Switch version of 'Crash Team Rumble.' Both projects, developed by Toys for Bob, were ultimately cancelled by Activision, marking a significant moment in the recent history of two beloved franchises. Toys for Bob had ambitious plans for the next installment in the Crash series.

'Crash Bandicoot 5' was reportedly slated to deliver a unique crossover event with Spyro the Dragon, another iconic Activision property.

Details from former developers highlight that the central plot would have revisited the 'Academy of Evil' from Crash Twinsanity, while reintroducing the villain Uka Uka.

More notably, both Crash Bandicoot and Spyro were intended as main playable characters, with concepts allowing players to control them individually or in tandem, even going so far as to permit Crash to ride on Spyro in certain sequences. Unfortunately, development on the new Crash title was cut short just months into pre-production.

Internal sources cited by Robertson indicate that Activision's decision to halt progress was triggered by disappointing sales figures for 'Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time.' Released originally in 2020 for PlayStation and Xbox platforms, Crash 4 was praised critically but did not achieve the publisher’s internal sales targets.

According to statements from former Toys for Bob employees, the lack of a Nintendo Switch version at launch was considered a missed opportunity that could have broadened the game's appeal. In tandem with the cancellation of Crash 5, Toys for Bob was also reportedly working on porting 'Crash Team Rumble' to the Nintendo Switch.

Development on this project was stopped by Activision after tepid reactions and sales performance on existing platforms, further complicating the roadmap for both the Crash and Spyro franchises on Nintendo hardware. Toys for Bob, known for their creative stewardship of both Crash Bandicoot and Spyro since the revival of these series in the late 2010s, have faced significant changes in recent years.

The cancellation of these projects underscores the challenges traditional platformer IPs face in today’s competitive gaming market, especially when navigating internal sales targets and publisher expectations. With Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard now complete, there is renewed hope among fans for a return of Crash and Spyro to Nintendo systems, possibly leveraging platforms like the Nintendo Switch or future Nintendo hardware.

However, as of now, no new projects have been officially announced.

Stay tuned to our site for further updates on the fate of these iconic characters and potential future crossovers.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Spyro Crash Bandicoot Switch Toys for Bob Activision DidYouKnowGaming