Xbox Update: Phil Spencer Addresses Development Status of Everwild

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

Over five years after its initial announcement at Microsoft's X019 event, the status of Rare's Everwild remains a topic of discussion. The game's absence from subsequent Xbox showcases and circulating reboot rumors fueled speculation about its cancellation. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer recently confirmed Everwild's ongoing development.

In a conversation with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his enthusiasm for Everwild, highlighting a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to assess the project's progress. He cited Everwild alongside State of Decay and the next Double Fine title as upcoming games he's particularly excited about. Spencer emphasized Microsoft's ability to provide development teams ample time, even with a substantial release pipeline, thanks to 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) took the helm.

While initially described as a third-person adventure game incorporating god game elements, the game's extended development period suggests potential changes to its core concept. The last trailer, from July 2020, simply described Everwild as "a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience awaits in a natural and magical world."

Everwild joins a lengthy roster of Microsoft's in-development titles, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo installment, Playground's Fable, Bethesda's Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release. Further adding context, id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages is slated for a May launch.