Word on the street is that Crash Bandicoot 5 was canceled, according to a former Toys For Bob concept artist. Let's dive into the details of 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 on July 12th. The post initially discussed another scrapped project, "Project Dragon," prompting speculation (even from Sonic comic writer Daniel Barnes) that it was a Spyro game. Kole clarified it was a new IP developed with Phoenix Labs, but then dropped the bombshell about Crash. He stated that a Crash Bandicoot 5 was also shelved, a revelation that, as he predicted, caused quite a stir among fans. The disappointment expressed online was palpable.
Earlier this year, Crash developer Toys For Bob went independent after its split from Activision Blizzard, which was subsequently acquired by Microsoft. Interestingly, Toys For Bob is now partnering with Microsoft Xbox to publish its first independent title. However, details about this project remain scarce.
The last major Crash Bandicoot release was 2020's Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, a commercial success with over five million copies sold. This was followed by the mobile game Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! (2021) and the multiplayer title Crash Team Rumble (2023), the latter of which ended its live service in March 2024. Despite this, the game remains playable.
With Toys For Bob now operating independently and possessing greater creative freedom, the possibility of a Crash Bandicoot 5 remains open. However, whether it will materialize and when remains to be seen. Fans can only hope it won't be another long wait.
