Phil Spencer Updates on Rare's Everwild Development

It's been over five years since Rare's Everwild was first announced at Microsoft’s X019 event, sparking curiosity and excitement among gamers. Despite repeated absences from Xbox showcases and swirling rumors of reboots, the project has not been abandoned. In fact, Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently reaffirmed his enthusiasm for Everwild during an interview with XboxEra. Spencer mentioned his visit to Rare's UK studio, where he got a firsthand look at the progress being made on Everwild, alongside their live service pirate adventure game, Sea of Thieves.

Spencer expressed his excitement for several upcoming titles, including Everwild, State of Decay, and the next game from Double Fine. He emphasized Microsoft's strategy of giving developers ample time to perfect their games, even amidst a busy release schedule bolstered by the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. He also mentioned his upcoming visit to Vancouver to meet with The Coalition, the developers behind Gears of War, showcasing Microsoft's ongoing commitment to their game studios.

Everwild has faced its share of challenges, including rumors of a reboot, which Microsoft has denied, and the departure of its creative director, Simon Woodroffe, in 2020. However, Rare has since appointed veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Piñata, and Sea of Thieves, to lead the project.

While details about Everwild remain scarce, it is believed to be a third-person adventure game with elements of a god game. The last trailer, released in July 2020, described Everwild as a "brand new IP from Rare" offering a "unique and unforgettable experience" in a "natural and magical world." Given the extended development period, the game's final form may differ from initial concepts.

Microsoft's portfolio of in-development games is extensive, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next installment in the Halo series, and Playground's new Fable game. Additionally, Bethesda is working on The Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision is preparing this year's Call of Duty. In the near future, fans can look forward to id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages, set to launch in May.

In summary, Everwild remains a promising project under Rare's development, with Microsoft's support and a seasoned team at the helm, ensuring its continued progress toward a unique gaming experience.