Everwild Update Revealed by Xbox's Phil Spencer

Rare's Everwild: Still in Development, Says Xbox Boss

Over five years after its initial announcement at Microsoft's X019, the fate of Rare's Everwild remains a topic of speculation. The game's absence from subsequent Xbox showcases and swirling reboot rumors have fueled uncertainty. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed the project is ongoing.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his enthusiasm 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 particularly excited about. Spencer emphasized Microsoft's ability to provide development teams ample time, even with a robust release schedule fueled by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.

The development of Everwild has faced challenges, including a denied reboot rumor and the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. Veteran designer Gregg Mayles (Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, Sea of Thieves) has since taken the helm.

While initially described as a third-person adventure game incorporating god game elements, the game's long development cycle suggests potential shifts in its design. The last trailer, released in 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 list of Microsoft's in-development titles, including Perfect Dark, the next Halo installment, Playground Games' Fable, Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release. This contrasts with the imminent May launch of id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages.