Rare's Everwild: An Update from Xbox
Over five years since its initial announcement at Microsoft's X019, the highly anticipated Everwild has remained shrouded in mystery. Repeated absences from Xbox showcases and swirling reboot rumors fueled speculation about its fate. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed the game is still actively in development.
In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, highlighting a recent visit to Rare Studios in the UK to assess the game's progress. He emphasized Microsoft's ability to provide development teams with the necessary time, even with a robust release schedule fueled by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. This extended development time applies not only to Everwild, but also to titles from Double Fine and State of Decay.
Everwild's journey hasn't been without its challenges. Following 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) stepped in to lead the project.
While initially described as a third-person adventure game with god game elements, the extensive development period suggests potential shifts in its design. The last trailer, released in July 2020, simply described it as "a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience await in a natural and magical world."
With Microsoft juggling numerous high-profile projects, including Perfect Dark, the next Halo installment, Playground Games' Fable, Bethesda's Elder Scrolls 6, Activision's Call of Duty, and id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages (May release), Everwild's release date remains uncertain. However, Spencer's comments offer reassurance that the game is still very much alive and progressing.
