Rare's Everwild: Still in Development, According to Xbox Boss
Over five years after its initial announcement at Microsoft's X019 event, the fate of Rare's Everwild remains a topic of speculation. The game's absence from subsequent Xbox showcases and circulating reboot rumors have fueled uncertainty. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed that Everwild is still actively in development.
In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his enthusiasm for Everwild, noting a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to assess the game's progress. He cited Everwild alongside State of Decay and Double Fine's next project as titles he's particularly excited about. Spencer emphasized Microsoft's ability to provide development teams with the necessary time, despite 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 (known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves) has since taken the director's reins.
While initially described as a third-person adventure game with god game elements, the game's prolonged development 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."
Microsoft's extensive development pipeline includes titles like the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo installment, Playground Games' Fable, Bethesda's Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release. The upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages from id Software is slated for a May launch. Despite this crowded schedule, Spencer's comments suggest that Everwild remains a priority for Microsoft and Rare.
