Crash Bandicoot 5 Allegedly Canceled After Studio Went Indie

Word on the street is that Crash Bandicoot 5 was canceled, according to a former Toys For Bob concept artist. Let's delve into what former developer Nicholas Kole revealed.

Another Project Bites the Dust: "Project Dragon"

Former Toys For Bob concept artist Nicholas Kole hinted at a canceled Crash Bandicoot 5 in a recent X (formerly Twitter) post. The post initially discussed another scrapped project, "Project Dragon," sparking speculation (even from Sonic comic writer Daniel Barnes) that it was a Spyro title. Kole clarified it was an entirely new IP developed with Phoenix Labs, but used the opportunity to mention a similar fate for a Crash Bandicoot 5.

"It's not Spyro, but someday folks will hear about the Crash 5 that never was, and it's going to break hearts," he stated.

As Kole predicted, fans reacted with disappointment and shock, highlighting the significant impact of this news within the Crash Bandicoot community.

Earlier this year, Crash developer Toys For Bob transitioned from Activision Blizzard to an independent studio, following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Interestingly, Toys For Bob is now partnering with Microsoft Xbox to publish its first independent title, though details remain scarce.

The last mainline Crash Bandicoot game, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, launched in 2020 and sold over five million copies. Subsequent releases included the mobile runner Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! (2021) and the online multiplayer Crash Team Rumble (2023), the latter ending live support in March 2024. However, the game remains playable on current-generation consoles.

With Toys For Bob's newfound independence, the future of Crash Bandicoot 5 remains uncertain. Only time will tell if this highly anticipated sequel will eventually see the light of day, hopefully without keeping fans waiting for years to come.