Both Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon have seen triumphant returns to the spotlight over the last few years. Both 2017's Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and 2018's Spyro Reignited Trilogy sold exceptionally well and paved the way for further releases for the iconic duo.
However, Toys for Bob, the developer behind both the Reignited Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, has been re-assigned to assist with Call of Duty: Warzone. This news has left many fans unsure of the fate of their favorite mascot platformers.
The situation regarding Toys For Bob's change of direction has been confusing, to say the least. Initial reports indicated the studio had experienced lay-offs alongside the restructuring, although these reports were later contradicted by Activision itself. As Toys For Bob was such an integral part of the modern Crash and Spyro releases, the future of the two series is certainly in question.
Such a drastic shift for the developer has been a bitter pill for fans to swallow. With this change, every major studio under the Activision banner is now assisting with Call of Duty. Despite lay-offs being denied by Activision, former character artist Nicholas Kole stated that everybody he interfaced and worked with was let go. Kole also confirmed that as of now the studio is solely working on Call of Duty, and employees are crushed.
An Activision studio assisting on another game within the publisher does not necessarily mean that it is unable to work on multiple projects. But, Kole's statements do reduce the possibility that Toys For Bob will have any involvement in Crash or Spyro going forward outside of confirmed support for Crash 4.
This begs the question of which studios are left to work on the 90s platforming duo. Vicarious Visions, the developer of the N. Sane Trilogy, was absorbed by Blizzard Entertainment, removing it as a candidate. The only viable choice is Beenox, the developer of Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled who also assisted with Crash 4. Despite working on Call of Duty, it is confirmed to have other projects in the works.
The truth is that if Beenox is not currently working on new Spyro or Crash projects then Activision is most likely done with the franchises for now. However, there is still hope. Activision has only recently released Crash Bandicoot: On the Run for mobile devices and ported Crash 4 to PC. On top of this, various Activision partners are currently teasing new Spyro merchandise, which is usually timed to coincide with a new announcement.
Both franchises have been incredibly popular in the modern day and have sold exceptionally well. The profitability of the duo is not in question. Fans are concerned because the two mascots are simply not as profitable as Call of Duty. Few other video games on the planet can boast Call of Duty's profitability, so it would never be a fair comparison. But, it is exactly the kind of comparison fans fear Activision may be making.
The recent merchandise teases for Spyro and its associated leaks are fans' last, best hope. If a new title is announced this year from Beenox, then it is likely that the future of the two franchises is secure for now. 2021 also marks Crash Bandicoot's 25th anniversary, and Activision has promised a celebration. Sending the duo to the gallows on Crash's milestone birthday seems unlikely, and would certainly be in very poor taste.
Regardless, Toys For Bob's new path is a highly disappointing one. The studio had gained a reputation for its quality work on charming platformers, and Call of Duty is hardly the best use of such a developer's unique talents. Many staff, both still at the company and no longer employed by them, seem just as disappointed as fans.