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

Rare's Everwild, first announced during Microsoft's X019 presentation over five years ago, has been the subject of much speculation due to its repeated absence 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 upcoming titles, including Everwild. He mentioned a recent visit to Rare's UK studio, where he observed the progress on Everwild firsthand. Rare, known for its live service pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves, is diligently working on this new project. Spencer's enthusiasm was evident as he highlighted Everwild alongside other anticipated games like State of Decay and the next title from Double Fine.

Spencer emphasized Microsoft's strategy of giving development teams ample time to perfect their games, even amidst a busy release schedule bolstered by acquisitions such as Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. This approach allows for quality over haste, which bodes well for Everwild's development.

Everwild has faced its share of challenges, including the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. However, Rare has since appointed veteran designer Gregg Mayles, who has an impressive resume including work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves, to lead the project.

As for what Everwild entails, it's 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, released in July 2020, promised "a unique and unforgettable experience" in a "natural and magical world."

Microsoft's portfolio of upcoming games is extensive, with titles like the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo, and Playground's new Fable game on the horizon. Additionally, Bethesda is working on The Elder Scrolls 6, Activision is developing this year's Call of Duty, and id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch in May.

With Phil Spencer's confidence in Rare's progress and the studio's commitment to delivering a unique gaming experience, fans of Everwild can look forward to more updates as the project continues to evolve.