A potential Crash Bandicoot 5 has reportedly been shelved, according to a former Toys For Bob concept artist. Let's delve into the details of Nicholas Kole's revelation.

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," sparking speculation (even from Sonic comic writer Daniel Barnes) that it was Spyro-related. Kole clarified that "Project Dragon," a new IP developed with Phoenix Labs, was unrelated to Spyro. He then used the opportunity to mention a similarly fate-sealed Crash Bandicoot project.

"It is not Spyro, but some day folks will hear about the Crash 5 that never was and it’s gonna break hearts," Kole stated.

As predicted, fans reacted with disappointment and shock, expressing their heartbreak over the news.

Earlier this year, Crash developer Toys For Bob transitioned from Activision Blizzard to become an independent studio, following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Interestingly, Toys For Bob is now collaborating with Microsoft Xbox for their first independent title, though specifics remain undisclosed.

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 title Crash Team Rumble (2023), the latter ending live support in March 2024. However, Crash Team Rumble 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 materialize, hopefully without an excessively long wait for its devoted fanbase.