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

It's been over five years since Rare's Everwild was announced during Microsoft's X019 presentation, leading to speculation about its status due to repeated absences from Xbox showcases and rumors of reboots. However, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has reassured fans that the project is still very much alive.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild and mentioned his recent visit to Rare's UK studio, where he saw the progress being made on the game. He highlighted his enthusiasm for several upcoming titles, including State of Decay and the next game from Double Fine, but specifically praised the work on Everwild. "Yeah, State of Decay is just one of the franchises I love back from the original one, so that one stays on the board. I do think the work that Double Fine’s doing and how Tim [Schafer] kind of solicits feedback from the team. And the other one, I’ll say because I was recently out at Rare. It’s nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they’re making," Spencer said.

Spencer emphasized Microsoft's strategy of giving development teams ample time to work on their projects, even as the company maintains a robust release schedule, bolstered by the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. "We can give those teams time," he noted, mentioning his upcoming visit to The Coalition in Vancouver, the developers behind Gears of War.

Everwild has faced its share of challenges, including a rumored reboot, which Microsoft has denied, and the departure of its creative director, Simon Woodroffe, in 2020. The role was subsequently filled by veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Piñata, and Sea of Thieves.

As for the game itself, Everwild is described as a third-person adventure game with elements of a god game, though its long development cycle may have led to changes. The last trailer for Everwild, released in July 2020, promised "a unique and unforgettable experience" in a "natural and magical world."

Microsoft's portfolio of in-development games is extensive, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo, and Playground's new Fable game. Bethesda is also working on The Elder Scrolls 6, while Activision is preparing this year's Call of Duty. In the near future, id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch in May, keeping fans eagerly awaiting updates on Everwild and other exciting titles.