A potential Crash Bandicoot 5 was reportedly shelved, according to a former Toys For Bob concept artist. Read on for details on Nicholas Kole's revelation.

Another Project Bites the Dust: "Project Dragon"

Former Toys For Bob concept artist Nicholas Kole hinted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 12th about a canceled Crash Bandicoot 5. The post initially discussed Kole's other canceled project, "Project Dragon," sparking speculation (including from Sonic comic writer Daniel Barnes) that it was Spyro-related. Kole clarified it was an entirely new IP with Phoenix Labs, but used the opportunity to mention the fate of a potential Crash 5.

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

As Kole 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 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. This was followed by Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! (2021) and 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 possibility of a Crash Bandicoot 5 remains uncertain. Only time will tell if this highly anticipated sequel will ever materialize, hopefully without subjecting fans to a prolonged wait.