Phil Spencer Updates on Rare's Everwild Development

Everwild, announced by Rare 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. Despite these concerns, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has confirmed that Everwild is still in active development. In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for the game, noting that he had visited Rare's UK studio to see the progress firsthand.

During the interview, Spencer highlighted several upcoming titles, including State of Decay, the next game from Double Fine, and Everwild. He emphasized Microsoft's commitment to giving these development teams the time they need, even as the company maintains a robust release schedule, bolstered by the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. Spencer's upcoming visit to The Coalition in Vancouver further underscores Microsoft's ongoing engagement with its studios.

Everwild has faced its share of challenges, including the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020 and rumors of a reboot, which Microsoft has denied. Veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Piñata, and Sea of Thieves, has since taken over as director. While initial reports described Everwild as a third-person adventure game with god game elements, the prolonged development period may have led to changes. The last trailer, released in July 2020, described Everwild as "a brand new IP from Rare" promising "a unique and unforgettable experience in a natural and magical world."

Microsoft's portfolio of in-development games remains extensive, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo, and Playground's new Fable game. Bethesda is working on The Elder Scrolls 6, and 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, showcasing Microsoft's continued commitment to delivering a diverse range of gaming experiences.