Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Issues Update on Rare’s Long in Development Everwild

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

Over five years after its announcement at Microsoft's X019 event, the status of Rare's Everwild remains a topic of much discussion. The game's absence from subsequent Xbox showcases and circulating reboot rumors have fueled speculation about its fate. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed that Everwild is still actively in development.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, noting a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to assess the game's progress. He highlighted Everwild alongside other anticipated titles, including the next State of Decay and Double Fine's upcoming project. Spencer emphasized Microsoft's ability to provide development teams with the necessary 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. 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 initial reports described Everwild as a third-person adventure game with god game elements, its prolonged development suggests potential changes to its design. 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 Games' new Fable title, Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release. This underscores the breadth of Microsoft's gaming portfolio and its commitment to long-term development cycles for select titles.