“Crash was born on PlayStation”: Crash Bandicoot Will Still Appear in Astro Bot Despite Now Being Owned By Xbox Due To the Activision Blizzard Merger

SUMMARY

• Even though Microsoft has acquired Activision Blizzard, that doesn't stop Crash Bandicoot from making an appearance in Astro Bot.
• As Crash Bandicoot doesn't fit in Astro Bot's theme, the developers have made various changes to the characters.
• Astro Bot is all set to release on September 6th 2024.

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Announced back at Sony’s May 2024 State of Play, Astro Bot is the next entry in Team Asobi’s series of 3D platformer exclusive for PlayStation consoles. Since its reveal, gamers have been onboard the hype train and can’t wait to see Astros and his friends once again.

With the game’s launch on the horizon, the developers of Astro Bot have revealed more information about the project, going into depth with what players can expect. However, one of the biggest surprises so far has been that Crash Bandicoot is all set to make a cameo in Astro Bot!

New PlayStation Game Will Feature Xbox Owned Crash Bandicoot

When Astro Bot finally debuts on PlayStation 5 next month, the game will come with VIPs and Cameo Bots, which will feature many iconic Sony-owned characters. However, Sony confirmed today that the Xbox-owned Crash Bandicoot will also be in the game.

If you’re unaware, the property rights to Crash Bandicoot are owned by Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Xbox last year.

Even though the character might be owned by Xbox these days, in the early days of the PlayStation era, he stood as the company mascot. The early titles were exclusive to PlayStation and were developed by the Naughty Riot studio.

However, Sony didn’t own the characters’ rights, and it eventually started going to other platforms, with games being released on Microsoft and Nintendo systems as well.

It’s quite obvious that Crash’s character wouldn’t fit into Astro Bot’s design and themes. So, the developers at Team Asobi have compromised by making the character’s head into a mask for a bot.

Crash Bandicoot’s inclusion in Astro Bot will surely be a welcome addition for gamers due to his status as one of the most iconic characters from PlayStation’s early days.

Sony had also previously featured a Crash Bandicoot cameo in its Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, in which Elena and Drake play through the first level of Crash Bandicoot on an original PlayStation.

When is Astro Bot Coming Out?

Crash Bandicoot will be one of the many cameos in Astro Bot. (Image via Team Asobi)

Astro Bot promises to be one of the biggest PlayStation 5 exclusives of the year, with adorable robots and over 80 unique levels of colorful platforming. Since its reveal, gamers have been wondering when it would hit the shelves, and we finally have a release date now.

The game is all set to release on September 6th, 2024. That gives any gamer who still hasn’t experienced Astro’s Playroom a chance to familiarize themselves with the character and the wacky PlayStation-themed universe he resides in before the release of this game!

Along with the game’s release, Sony is also releasing a new Astro Bot-themed PS5 DualSense wireless controller. It’s also set to arrive on the same day as the game, on September 6th, but it can be pre-ordered right now for $79.99!

Are you excited for Crash Bandicoot’s cameo in Astro Bot? Let us know in the comments!

Written by Dhruv Bhatnagar

Articles Published: 305

Dhruv has been an avid gamer all his life, with an emphasis on multiplayer titles. After switching to PC, he has dabbled in the world of GTA Online ever since its release. He aims to spread his passion for gaming through his writing.