Scalebound: Hints of a Possible Revival?

Scalebound was once heralded as one of the most ambitious action projects, merging dynamic combat, music, and a unique system of interaction with a massive dragon companion. As an Xbox One exclusive, it captured the imagination of gamers worldwide when it was announced in 2014. However, despite the high anticipation, Microsoft officially ceased its development in 2017, leaving fans disappointed and curious about what could have been.

Recently, the official Clovers Inc account on X shared a video featuring Hideki Kamiya and his team revisiting archived gameplay footage of Scalebound. During this nostalgic review, Kamiya expressed pride in the project despite its cancellation. He further amplified his sentiment by retweeting the video with a direct message to Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, saying, "Come on, Phil, let's do this!" This plea indicates Kamiya's ongoing interest in potentially reviving the game, a desire he had previously voiced in early 2022.

Rumors about Scalebound's possible return have circulated consistently, gaining momentum in early 2023 when several sources suggested a potential reboot. However, Microsoft has yet to make any official announcements on the matter. In a recent interview with the Japanese publication Game Watch, Phil Spencer responded to inquiries about Scalebound with a smile and a brief, "I have nothing to add at this time," leaving fans hopeful yet uncertain.

Even if Microsoft shows renewed interest, a swift revival of Scalebound is unlikely. Hideki Kamiya is currently engaged with his studio, Clovers Inc, working on a new installment of Okami. Should Xbox decide to greenlight the project, Kamiya would only be able to start development after completing his current commitments. Despite the challenges, the continued interest and discussions around Scalebound keep the hope alive that one day, gamers might finally experience this long-awaited title.