Key Highlights:
- Crash Bandicoot 5 and Project Dragon reportedly cancelled.
- Former developer Nicholas Kole reveals details on social media.
- Toys For Bob partners with Xbox for new game after Activision split.
Crash 5 Reportedly Scrapped
In a surprising turn of events for the gaming community, reports have surfaced about the cancellation of two highly anticipated projects: Crash Bandicoot 5 and a new IP codenamed Project Dragon.
This news comes from Nicholas Kole, a former character designer and illustrator who worked on Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time.
The Crash Bandicoot series, a beloved platforming franchise, has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years.
Fans were thrilled when Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time was released in 2020, marking the first new mainline entry since 2008.
The game was praised for its fresh take on classic platforming gameplay and engaging story. However, it seems the marsupial’s journey has hit another bump in the road.
As first reported by TheGamer, Kole shared the disappointing news on X/Twitter, revealing that a project he had been working on for three years was cancelled.
While initially causing some confusion among fans who thought it might be a new Spyro game, Kole clarified that the cancelled project, called “Project Dragon”, was separate from Crash 5.
Although, he then dropped the bombshell that Crash 5 had also been cancelled at some point.
“Folks will hear about the Crash 5 that never was and it’s gonna break hearts,” Kole stated, hinting at the potential the game had.
This news is particularly disheartening for fans who were hoping for a continuation of the series’ recent success.
Project Dragon: A Lost Opportunity
Alongside the Crash 5 revelation, Kole shared details about Project Dragon, the game he had been working on at Phoenix Labs.
This new IP was described as a cosy survival crafting multiplayer RPG with a focus on dragons. The RPG reportedly drew inspiration from popular titles like Minecraft and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, combining blocky aesthetics with an engaging quest structure.
The cancellation of Project Dragon represents a lost opportunity for players to experience a fresh take on the survival crafting genre.
Many fans expressed disappointment at the news, as the concept seemed to offer an intriguing blend of familiar elements in a new package.
Toys For Bob: A New Chapter
Adding another layer to this story is the recent split of Toys For Bob, the studio behind Crash Bandicoot 4, from Activision Blizzard.
The studio has now gone independent, though this process unfortunately resulted in the layoff of 86 developers.
Despite these challenges, Toys For Bob has announced a partnership with Xbox for their next title.
This new partnership has sparked curiosity among gamers, with many wondering what the studio’s next project might be.
Though, it’s important to note that Activision likely retains the rights to both the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro franchises, which may limit Toys For Bob’s ability to continue working on these two iconic series.
The cancellation of these projects has sent ripples through the gaming community. Crash Bandicoot fans, in particular, are feeling the loss keenly.
The series has a special place in many gamers’ hearts, with its colourful characters and challenging platforming having entertained players for generations.
For years he was one of the biggest PlayStation mascots and instantly recognisable on posters all around the globe.
For fans of new IPs, the loss of Project Dragon represents a missed opportunity to experience something fresh and innovative.
The gaming industry thrives on new ideas, and the cancellation of promising projects like this can be seen as a setback for creativity in the field.
While the news of these cancellations is undoubtedly disappointing, it’s important to remember that the gaming industry is always evolving.
New projects are constantly in development, and today’s setback could pave the way for tomorrow’s surprise hit.
For Crash Bandicoot fans, hope remains that the beloved marsupial will find his way back to our screens in the future. The franchise has proven its resilience time and time again, bouncing back from periods of inactivity with renewed vigour.
As for Toys For Bob, their partnership with Xbox opens up new possibilities. While they may not be working on Crash or Spyro, the studio’s talent and future ideas should encourage people to get behind them.