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

Over five years since its initial announcement at Microsoft's X019, Rare's Everwild has remained shrouded in mystery. Repeated absences from Xbox showcases and swirling reboot rumors fueled speculation about its fate. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed the game is still actively in development.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, highlighting a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to witness the game's progress firsthand. He mentioned the studio's dedication to Everwild alongside other projects, emphasizing the time afforded to developers despite Microsoft's busy release schedule, significantly boosted by the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. Spencer specifically cited the flexibility allowing teams to dedicate the necessary time to their projects.

Everwild's development 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 titles such as Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves, has since taken the helm.

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, 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 substantial roster of upcoming Microsoft 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. This underscores the breadth of Microsoft's gaming portfolio and the strategic allocation of resources across its various studios.