Crash Bandicoot 4.original
Image: Activision

Update: [Wed 5th May, 2021 00:45 BST]: In a response to VGC, an Activision spokesperson has denied reports about "layoffs" at Toys for Bob and says the studio will "continue supporting" Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time while providing additional support to Call of Duty Warzone.

"Reports of layoffs at Toys For Bob are incorrect. There has not been a reduction in personnel recently at the studio. The development team is operating fully and has a number of full-time job openings at this time.

“The studio is excited to continue supporting Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, and more recently provide additional development support to Call of Duty: Warzone.”


Original story [Sat 1st May, 2021 15:00 BST]: Developer Toys for Bob has announced on Twitter it's now supporting the development of Call of Duty: Warzone - Season 3.

While this might not seem all that concerning, a number of team members who worked on the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon games have seemingly confirmed they've left the developer.

Although it's been mentioned how some staff were "let go", one former employee claims everyone who has departed left on good terms. Either way, it seems like Activision could be moving on from Crash and Spyro for now.

Crash Bandicoot 4's sales reportedly did not live up to Activision's expectations, so news of Toys for Bob being reassigned doesn't come as a complete surprise. The same studio was also responsible for the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, the Switch port of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and the Skylanders series.

Fellow Activision developer Vicarious Visions - the team behind the recent Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 remaster - was recently merged into Blizzard and is now helping out with the upcoming release Diablo II: Resurrected. And Beenox (Crash N. Sane Trilogy and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled) is also helping out with Call of Duty.

If we hear any developments, we'll be sure to let you know. How do you feel about Activision focusing all its attention on Call of Duty? Leave a comment down below.

[source videogameschronicle.com, via purexbox.com]