Rare's 'Everwild' Update from Xbox Leader

Everwild's Development: An Update from Xbox

Over five years since its X019 announcement, Rare's Everwild has faced speculation and delays. Rumors of reboots and its absence from subsequent Xbox showcases fueled concerns about its fate. 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 studios in the UK to assess the project's progress. He emphasized that Microsoft is providing the necessary development time for Everwild, alongside other titles like State of Decay and the next Double Fine project, despite a busy release schedule fueled by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. This commitment to allowing ample development time extends to other studios, as evidenced by his upcoming visit to Coalition (Gears of War developers) in Vancouver.

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

While early reports described Everwild as a third-person adventure game with god game elements, the extended development time suggests potential changes. The last trailer, released in 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 Microsoft's extensive development pipeline – including Perfect Dark, the next Halo, Fable, The Elder Scrolls 6, and the upcoming Call of Duty – Everwild's release date remains unannounced. However, Spencer's comments offer reassurance that the game is still actively under development and a priority for Xbox.