Create new account
Forgot password?

NEWS

Crash, Spyro "Ripe for Reinvention"

Kris Graft's picture

By Kris Graft

July 31, 2008

  • Login or register to post comments

See also:

Related Articles:

"We also know that these properties are ripe for reinvention to increase their appeal, and that's what we're focused on in the future."

Now that Crash and Spyro are under the Activision Blizzard roof, the old mascots may have a new chance at regaining their former glory.

Speaking of the two franchises, Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith said during a Thursday earnings call, "We feel these brands have a lot of runway left and will positively benefit from our consumer research and testing."

Griffith said that he's "encouraged" by the upcoming entries into the franchises for later this year, but he added, "We also know that these properties are ripe for reinvention to increase their appeal, and that's what we're focused on in the future."

Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot, two characters that helped define the PlayStation brand in years gone by, have sold more than 55 million units worldwide life to date combined, according to Griffith.

Activision Blizzard acquired the Crash and Spyro properties as part of the $18.9 billion merger with Vivendi Games, a deal that closed July 9.

Anonymous's picture
On July 31st Anonymous said:

I'm sure both names carry enough weight to sell a fair few units spread across the major systems, even today. Yet I still sense kart racing, mini games and mindless collecting.

I'll take Banjo, thanks.

Gaara42's picture
On July 31st Gaara42 said:

Maybe some mascots need to just be left to rest in peace. Crash had some legendary outings, it may be better to have people remember those days for how great they were then have those memories ruined by repeatedly releasing bad games of formerly great mascots. Why not invent a new mascot that is more relevant to the times?