'Crash Bandicoot' PS4 2016 release date: Sony not interested for now

Crash Bandicoot as seen in Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over MutantActivision

It has been several years since "Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutants" launched, back in 2008. However, the Sony mascot has been teased in the recently released "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End" and it was rumored that this was a sign that a new game may be in development. However, Sony may have officially shot this rumor down.

In an interview with the Official Playstation Magazine (via Playstation Universe), Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO Jim Ryan has confirmed that there are currently no new "Crash Bandicoot" games in development and that fans should not wait for a new title any time soon. He did acknowledge that there is a demand from the fans.

"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," Ryan explained. 

According to the report, Sony has also confirmed that Activision still held the rights to the "Crash Bandicoot" franchise. With this confirmation, it would be impossible for Naughty Dog, the developers behind "Uncharted 4" and the creators of "Crash Bandicoot," to make a new game even if they wanted to. This means the teaser from "Uncharted 4" is merely an Easter egg for long-time fans and nothing more.

If there would be a brand new game in the franchise it would have to come from Activision but the company is currently busy with their other properties such as "Call of Duty." With the merger with Blizzard the company is also working on "World of Warcraft" expansions and have currently worked on the "Warcraft" films. 

Activision has not given any sign that a new "Crash Bandicoot" game is in the works and neither has the company confirmed that an HD remaster or remake of the original trilogy will be released any time soon, despite the demands from fans.