Update [Thu 29th Aug, 2024 05:00 BST]:
Following the apparent video leak, Sony has now provided an update on the PlayStation blog, mentioning how the Crash Bandicoot IP and more will feature in the new Astro Bot game (thanks VGC for the heads up):
“With all of these characters, the eyes are paramount. Sometimes LED eyes just didn’t work on certain characters because the original design relies so much on the pupils being a certain size or color for instance . So for more cartoony VIPs like Crash Bandicoot or from Ape Escape, the Bots are wearing a mask to help bridge that problem!”
Again, what's potentially interesting here (from an Xbox perspective) is that this is happening post-Microsoft acquisition. You can see the original story below for more details:
Original [Tue 20th Aug, 2024 17:00 BST]:
It seems more Microsoft-owned IP could potentially be showing up on the PlayStation 5 in the future. However, this story is a bit different to some of the recent headlines, and to be honest it's not all that surprising either (if indeed there's any truth to it).
New footage of the upcoming PS5 exclusive Astro Bot (which is a celebration of all-things PlayStation) has leaked, and it reportedly features all sorts of crossovers. Two that have got some of the Xbox community talking appear to be Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, which are (again) now owned by Microsoft.
This video leak has been reported on by sites like Eurogamer, and other parts of the internet claim to have seen these characters in uploaded game footage.
Reliable leaker 'eXtas1s' has also shared supposed shots of Crash and Spyro in Astro Bot, and the assumption seems to be that Sony has reached an agreement with Microsoft to allow these iconic mascots to appear in the game. Keep in mind this is still a rumour, so nothing is necessarily guaranteed.
"Sony has reached an agreement with Activision/Xbox to feature Crash Bandicoot and Spyro in the Astro Bot game for PS5. It is not yet known if they will be playable costumes or just NPCs."
Of course, even if this is the real deal, we don't necessarily know the timeline here. PlayStation could have potentially even sorted a collaboration like this well before Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
It's worth highlighting how this wouldn't be the first time Crash and Spyro have shown up in this particular series, as both appeared as cameos in the original PlayStation 5 game Astro's Playroom. What's interesting here from an Xbox perspective is that this is potentially happening post-Microsoft acquisition.
These particular characters originally started on the original PlayStation with trilogies before being sold off to Activision, and eventually winding up at the Xbox division. Microsoft has also cooperated with Nintendo in the past - allowing Banjo-Kazooie to be included in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster.
What are your thoughts about this? Let us know in the comments.
Comments 17
Nice. Great colaboration. And that game is on track to be great.
Makes sense, Crash is a Naughty Dog created IP, Spyro was Insomniac, and both together are probably the most key icons of the PS1 short of the FF games and MGS. MS isn't stingy with licensing their IP. It's only by a weird twist of business fate that Sony ended up owning both companies and MS ended up owning both their IPs.
I really don't mind it when it involves retro characters. For example Banjo-Kazooie in Smash Bros, or Perfect Dark on Nintendo Switch Online. Say what you want about Microsoft, but they're pretty good about that kind of thing so allowing Crash and Spyro in Astro Bot isn't shocking.
Where's my rope time to end it!! Honestly don't care live let live!
It’s not really ‘Microsoft IP’ is it like Halo or Gears. We’re talking about a 1990’s PlayStation mascot they recently acquired.
True, and fair enough on the wording, but the truth is that this is indeed MS IP. There's no way around that, regarldess of how long it's been the case.
Not that it matters really, this is nice. Obviously they are competitors, but within that context, it would be nice to see more of these "cameo" style things of cross-owned IP in games out there.
I know people are mocking the fact these are not Xbox mascots (and yes, I’m sad thinking that two iconic PlayStation mascots may no longer be on PlayStation in the future).
However, Activision-Blizzard murdered Toys for Bob and if it wasn’t for Xbox we might never see these two again.
Yes, there is something still sad about the entire affair, but I hope Microsoft does them justice and keeps their legacy alive. And that they remain cross party IPs moving forward.
Yeh I don’t look at Crash Bandicoot as being an Xbox character or brand so it’s weird to me because I’ve always thought of him as being Sony or Naughty Dog going back to the PS1 days.
@RadioHedgeFund
@Mustoe
Tbf, the article does point out that they are not original Xbox IP and are "now" Xbox IP.
To add: Not 'morally' Xbox IP, but legally are.
@Kienda hopefully Crash and Spyro won't get the Banjo treatment from Microsoft...
But if Xbox makes a racing or Mario party style game they better be able to get ps characters
@NEStalgia Actually Those companies never owned Crash or Spryo. Yes they created and developed the games but did so for Universal. It was like the whole thing with Disney and Oswald Rabbit. Then of course Activision got them and now Microsoft.
Still this is nice that they added them in this game since they were the face of PS for gamers in the mid 90s.
@RazputinAquato you mean, starting from now, or including last week? Because I've got some bad news for you about Crash
Sony getting everything AGAIN
This is a story for a Playstation site if any. Site going downhill rapidly with these type of non stories with disingenous headlines intended to stoke rage.
Looks like I'm looking for a better xbox news site.
@avoidercat that's a very neutral title, not at all "disingenuous" or "intended to stoke rage".
@RazputinAquato yeah, I’m not entirely sure Microsoft is the pair of safe hands that Crash and Spyro need…
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