Sony Interactive Entertainment states that it's "aware" of the fans' demand for a new Crash Bandicoot game to be made, but mentions no plans for the series to return.
According to an interview in Official PlayStation Magazine, Sony's Head of Global Sales and Marketing, Jim Ryan, revealed that he and his company are totally "aware" of fans' love for the Crash Bandicoot franchise and their wish to see it revived. However, the Sony executive confirmed there are no plans as of now to make a new game in the Crash Bandicoot franchise.
Even though the gaming community at large would almost definitely agree that Crash Bandicoot is one of the top console games in need of a sequel, it seems as if it will be a mite longer before it happens. Regarding the possibility of the beloved PlayStation mascot making his way back onto the scene, Jim Ryan's full quote is as follows:
"Um... we're certainly aware of the considerable affection---even reverence---in which the mighty Crash is held. But nothing to update at this stage in that area."
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Crash Bandicoot's rights still belong to Activision after absorbing them from Sierra in 2008, with neither the game publishing giant nor Sony confirming all of the nitty gritty details of how the acquisition came to be. Recently, fans speculated that the PlayStation parent company may have gotten the rights back after Crash had made an appearance as an Uncharted 4 Easter egg, but of course, such theorizing proved to be incorrect.
Over the years, the Crash Bandicoot license has been held by myriad third-party companies following its 1996 debut, including Konami, Vivendi, Sierra, and now Activision. With this being the case, it's unclear as to how much of an attempt Sony has actually put forth in the past when it comes to getting the rights to the Naughty Dog-developed title.
In any event, there have been plenty of mentions of Crash Bandicoot in the press as of late, which have in turn fanned the flames of gamers' desire for a resurgence of the series. For instance, Dr. Neo Cortex voice actor Lex Lang hinted at the title's comeback, after he teased the resurrection of a doctor character for which he's previously done recorded work. Not to mention, a few months ago, the director of product development for NECA Toys, Randy Falk, mentioned a reboot was in progress, which was later recanted. Whether or not these teases go on to bear fruit remains to be seen, but if one thing's for sure, fans definitely want a fresh Crash Bandicoot game.
What do you think about Sony acknowledging fans' demand for another Crash Bandicoot title? Do you think the company will eventually work out a deal with Activision to make it happen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The most recent video game in the main line of titles bearing the Crash Bandicoot name is Crash: Mind over Mutant, and it's available for Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PSP, Wii, and Xbox 360.
Source: Official PlayStation Magazine UK (via PlayStation Universe, VideoGamer)