Crash Bandicoot rumored to be back with Sony, Naughty Dog

Activision's removal of its Crash Bandicoot website and web properties this week, as spotted by Reddit, is leading some to believe that Sony has repurchased the rights to the platformer series.

Crash Bandicoot was once the PlayStation mascot (remember those crazy commercials?), and though he's gone on to star in a number of games (his appearance has also changed dramatically), most people only recall the original trilogy and Crash Team Racing. As they should — those were developed by original creator Naughty Dog, who's since focused on series like Uncharted and this year's successful title The Last of Us.

So with the launch of the PlayStation 4 this week, the timing is perfect for Sony to buy back the property.

What's more, an Easter egg in the PS4 launch trailer only confirms the rumor for some (it's interesting to note that PlayStation icon PaRappa the Rapper is in there, too, at the 0:22 mark — that property is also suspected to be on the way back).

When questioned about the possibility of Crash returning to its original owners, Sony's Adam Boyes said to "ask Activision," and Activision gave a "no comment."

@shinobi602 Activision owns the IP, so you should ask them about it…

— Adam Boyes (@amboyes) November 22, 2013

Earlier today I asked Activision whether it still held the rights to the Crash Bandicoot license. Answer: "No comment."

— David Scammell (@VG_Dave) November 22, 2013

If the rumor is true, then it's worth wondering whether Sony will hand the series back to Naughty Dog. We already know the developer is working on its PS4 debut, but that could solely be the recently announced Uncharted 4.

Via: CVG