Activision has published some incredible games, but has found itself looking back and remastering games in recent years. After the success of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Spyro Reignited, many fans have wondered what game would be rebuilt and re-released next. According to the publishers' CEO, Bobby Kotick, there are plenty of remasters to come in 2020.
The publisher was formed in 1979 and managed to survive the video game market crash of the 1980s, albeit through expanding its products. From that point on Activision has released some of the most successful franchises in the gaming world, including Call of Duty, the Tony Hawk series, and the Guitar Hero series. It is therefore unsurprising that while nostalgic remakes are selling well, that a publisher of many classics will be taking advantage of the market.
During Activision's Q4 financial results call, Kotick announced "a number of remastered and reimagined titles." The CEO expanded further by adding "Stay tuned for some future announcements, but beyond pure remasters there are a lot of opportunities now to innovate and think about totally new content within these IPs." There are plenty of great Activision franchises and it will be interesting to see what IPs are remastered.
Activision Blizzard's latest remaster for Warcraft 3 was not well received and many fans will be hoping for remakes that build on beloved games rather than tarnish their reputation. Many players will wonder if there will be new games of existing franchises such as Spyro, Crash Bandicoot and Call of Duty after the statement from Kotick as it is unclear at the moment. Either way, if Activision can avoid the pitfalls of Warcraft 3, it could be another very successful year for the company.
There is plenty of debate about the best Activision games and fans will hope that their favorite IPs are remastered. After the controversy that surrounded Warcraft 3, many will hope that future remasters are held to a higher quality and that what is advertised is actually delivered. However, a completely new installment of an existing franchise such as Crash Bandicoot may please fans who are hungry for more content from the publisher.