It looks like Toys for Bob is beginning its next chapter, and it’s starting with a mysterious purple tiki mask.
The Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time and Spyro Reignited Trilogy developer published the strange picture in a new update on its website. Those who head to the site will notice that an image of a purple, teeth-clenching tiki head is now the only accessible page.
It’s unclear what it could mean, but there is a good chance the mask is simply Toys for Bob’s new logo. Opening the image reveals that it’s named “TFB_LogoVector_TikiMask-purple.” It’s also been pointed out that the Toys for Bob offices have been tiki-themed in the past. Still, that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating that the image may be tied to a new game.
In March, Windows Central reported that Xbox would still work with the developer on its next game following the news that Toys for Bob would be going indepedent earlier this year. Microsoft also finalized its acquisition of Activision last year, so if Xbox and Toys for Bob have indeed come to an agreement, then the developer could theoretically be working on a Crash Bandicoot and/or Spyro the Dragon game.
The presence of the tiki mask has many fans believing that Crash Bandicoot 5 is in development. Others, meanwhile have pointed out that its purple coloring could be pointing to a new Spyro game.
A mask that looks to be from a Crash game but it has the purple color from Spyro? What if their next game ends up being a crossover?
— Sergio Sánchez. (@sergiosgx) May 15, 2024
Toys for Bob's website has been updated with a cryptic image (below).https://t.co/rjW85l7r3W
— 2024 IS WILD (News) (@2024isWild) May 15, 2024
Crash? pic.twitter.com/xkAkpEUlwC
New Crash coming?! ? that'd be cool. I still need to play the 4th one though ?
— Silent Dad Plays Games (@silentdadgaming) May 15, 2024
Toys for Bob has updated their website to a simple purple Tiki mask.
— KAMI (@Okami13_) May 15, 2024
New Crash Bandicoot on the way? ?https://t.co/OMR8u4avzX pic.twitter.com/yKKJjwzGpT
It’s best to not assume such a project is in development until Toys for Bob has more to announce. The studio separated itself from Activision and Microsoft in February, expressing a desire to return to its roots as “a small and nimble studio.”
“With the same enthusiasm and passion, we believe that now is the time to take the studio and our future games to the next level,” Toys for Bob said at the time.
We enjoyed the studio's last game, Crash 4, giving it an 8/10 in our review. We said, "Crash Bandicoot 4 is a great return to form, with some new ideas that add a fresh spin to Crash's classic gameplay."
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.
