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 much speculation. Absence from subsequent Xbox showcases and persistent reboot rumors fueled concerns about the game's future. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer recently confirmed Everwild's ongoing development.

In a conversation with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his enthusiasm for Everwild's upcoming release, highlighting a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to assess the game's progress. He mentioned Everwild alongside other anticipated titles, emphasizing Microsoft's ability to provide development teams with the necessary time, even amidst a busy release schedule fueled by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. Spencer's comments directly address concerns regarding the game's prolonged development cycle.

The game's development has faced challenges, including a rumored reboot (denied by Microsoft) and the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. However, Rare appointed veteran designer Gregg Mayles (known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves) to fill the director role.

While early reports described Everwild as a third-person adventure game incorporating god game elements, the extended development time suggests potential changes to the original vision. 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 games, 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. This context underscores the significant investment and time commitment required for these large-scale projects. The upcoming release of id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages in May further highlights the breadth of Microsoft's game portfolio.