Xbox Everwild Update: Spencer Provides Insight

Rare's Everwild: Still in Development, According to Xbox Boss

Over five years since its initial announcement at Microsoft's X019 event, Rare's Everwild has faced speculation regarding its status. Repeated absences from Xbox showcases and rumors of a reboot fueled concerns about the project's future. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed that Everwild is still actively in development.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, noting a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to assess the game's progress. He highlighted Everwild alongside State of Decay and the next Double Fine project as titles he's particularly enthusiastic about. Spencer emphasized Microsoft's ability to provide development teams with the necessary time, even with a robust release schedule driven by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.

The development of Everwild hasn't been without its challenges. Following a denied reboot rumor and the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020, veteran designer Gregg Mayles (known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves) stepped in to lead the project.

While early reports described Everwild as a third-person adventure game with god game elements, its prolonged development suggests potential shifts in its design. The last trailer, released in July 2020, simply described it as "a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience await in a natural and magical world."

Everwild joins a substantial lineup of Microsoft's in-development titles, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo installment, Playground Games' Fable, Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release. This extensive portfolio underscores the scale of Microsoft's gaming ambitions and the time investment required for ambitious projects like Everwild.