Rare's Everwild: Still in Development, Xbox Boss Confirms
Over five years since its X019 announcement, Rare's Everwild has faced speculation regarding its development status, fueled by absences from Xbox showcases and reboot rumors. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer recently confirmed the game's ongoing development in an interview with XboxEra.
Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, highlighting a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to assess the game's progress. He emphasized the studio's dedication, mentioning Everwild alongside other anticipated titles from Double Fine and State of Decay. Spencer attributed the extended development time to Microsoft's ability to provide studios with the necessary resources while simultaneously managing a substantial release schedule, boosted by acquisitions such as Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
The game'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 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 (based on reports and the July 2020 trailer), the game's evolving nature during its extended development period suggests potential changes. The 2020 trailer 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 considerable lineup of Microsoft's in-development titles, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo installment, Playground's Fable, Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release. This underscores the company's commitment to a diverse and ambitious game portfolio.
