In a revealing interview, Jason Rubin, the founder of renowned game development studio Naughty Dog, has opened up about the company's decision to part ways with the beloved Crash Bandicoot series and its troubled partnership with Universal Interactive.

A Troubled Alliance

Rubin described the business relationship with Universal Interactive as 'abysmal', shedding light on the difficulties the studio faced during its collaboration with the entertainment giant. The Crash Bandicoot series, which was created by Naughty Dog, was eventually sold to Activision, marking a significant turning point in the studio's history.

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The departure from the Crash Bandicoot series allowed Naughty Dog to focus on new projects, including the critically acclaimed Jak and Daxter series and, later, the Uncharted and The Last of Us franchises. Despite the challenges posed by the Universal Interactive partnership, Naughty Dog has emerged as one of the most respected and innovative game development studios in the industry.

A Legacy Reborn

The Crash Bandicoot series, meanwhile, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with the release of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. Although Naughty Dog is no longer involved with the series, the studio's legacy continues to be felt, with the Crash Bandicoot games remaining a beloved part of gaming culture.