The story of Crash Bandicoot’s revival under Toys for Bob took an unexpected turn with the recent leak (via) of concept art from the canceled sequel to Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. These materials offer a rare glimpse into what could have been a bold new chapter for the franchise, filled with ambitious ideas that never saw the light of day.
Following the 2020 release of Crash Bandicoot 4, Toys for Bob reportedly began early development on a direct sequel, internally referred to as Crash 5. Unlike its predecessor, this project aimed to build on the multiverse concept by exploring darker storylines and offering deeper character arcs. Among the standout features was the return of the Academy of Evil, Dr. Neo Cortex’s villain school, first introduced in Crash Twinsanity. This setting was intended to serve as a full hub world, expanding its role significantly within the Crash universe.
Gameplay concepts drew inspiration from titles like Psychonauts, with a planned mechanic that would allow Crash to enter the minds of iconic villains such as Cortex, Tiny Tiger, and Pinstripe. These surreal, memory-based levels promised a unique blend of platforming and narrative exploration. Another major highlight was a crossover with Spyro the Dragon, featuring Uka Uka opening a portal to Spyro’s world and setting the stage for a full-fledged team-up between the two classic characters.
The game’s character roster would have included both familiar faces and intriguing new additions. Nina Cortex and Madame Amberly were set to return, while human versions of Aku Aku and Uka Uka were also under consideration. The leaked art even hinted at the introduction of Cortex’s mother and a character dubbed Chad Cortex.
Despite apparent internal excitement, Crash 5 was shelved in November 2020 when Activision redirected its focus toward live-service projects. This strategic shift left Toys for Bob’s single-player platformer without a place in the company’s evolving business model.
The leaks also shed light on Wumpa League, an earlier project that eventually morphed into Crash Team Rumble. Unlike the smaller-scale battles of Crash Team Rumble, Wumpa League was envisioned as a large-scale, objective-driven multiplayer experience. It would have featured asymmetric gameplay, where one team collected Wumpa fruit to power a rocket while the opposing team attempted sabotage by feeding it to a Yeti. With open 3D maps set in harbors, chemical plants, and airship arenas, Wumpa League promised a richer multiplayer platforming experience.
Playable characters extended beyond the usual suspects, with Ripper Roo, Koala Kong, and even a crossover appearance by Ghost from Call of Duty under consideration. The game was also intended to feature a storyline involving a mysterious evil CEO orchestrating the competition, but these plans were ultimately scrapped. In line with Activision’s preference for lower-cost live-service titles, Wumpa League was scaled back into what became Crash Team Rumble, losing much of its depth and narrative elements in the process.
Other unfulfilled projects include rumors of a Crash Bash 2, although there is no confirmation that Toys for Bob actively pursued a remake of the classic party game. Additionally, a trademark filed by King in 2020 for Crash Landed hinted at a possible mobile game that seemingly never entered production.
With Toys for Bob now operating independently, fans are left to wonder if some of these shelved ideas might eventually find new life. Speculation remains that, with the right publishing partner—perhaps Microsoft or another major platform holder—the studio could revisit projects like Crash 5 or finally deliver a long-awaited Crash-Spyro crossover.
For now, these leaks serve as a reminder of the creative paths not taken and the untapped potential of one of gaming’s most beloved platforming franchises. Whether any of these concepts will return remains uncertain, but they continue to fuel hopes for a future where Crash Bandicoot might once again lead the way in single-player adventures.
