Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Issues Update on Rare’s Long in Development Everwild

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

Over five years since its announcement at Microsoft's X019, the fate of Rare's Everwild has been shrouded in mystery. Absent from subsequent Xbox showcases and plagued by reboot rumors, many questioned its existence. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer confirmed the game's ongoing development in a recent interview with XboxEra.

Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, highlighting a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to assess the game's progress. He cited Everwild alongside State of Decay and the next Double Fine project as titles he's enthusiastic about, emphasizing Microsoft's ability to provide development teams ample time, despite a busy release schedule fueled by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. He stated that Microsoft is giving these teams the time they need.

Everwild's development has faced challenges, including a denied reboot rumor and the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. The director's role was filled by veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for his work on titles like Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves.

While initially described as a third-person adventure game with god game elements, the game's long development cycle suggests potential changes. The last trailer, from July 2020, simply described it as "a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience awaits in a natural and magical world."

With a vast portfolio of games in development, including Perfect Dark, the next Halo installment, Playground's Fable, Bethesda's Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release, Everwild remains a title to watch, alongside other anticipated titles like id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages (May release).