Rare's Everwild has been a topic of much speculation since its announcement at Microsoft's X019 event over five years ago. Despite repeated absences from Xbox showcases and rumors of a reboot, the project remains alive and well, according to Xbox boss Phil Spencer.
In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, noting that he had visited Rare's UK studio to check on the game's progress. Rare, known for its live service pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves, is diligently working on Everwild. Spencer highlighted the importance of giving development teams ample time to perfect their projects, a strategy that Microsoft can afford thanks to its robust lineup of releases, further strengthened by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
"We can give those teams time," Spencer emphasized, mentioning his upcoming visit to The Coalition in Vancouver, the developers behind the Gears of War series.
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 worked on iconic titles such as Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Piñata, and Sea of Thieves, to take the helm.
As for what Everwild entails, initial reports suggested it would be a third-person adventure game with god game elements. However, given the extended development period, the final product may differ from these early descriptions. The last trailer for Everwild, released in July 2020, described it as "a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience awaits in a natural and magical world."
Microsoft's portfolio of upcoming games is extensive, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next installment in the Halo series, and Playground Games' new Fable title. Additionally, Bethesda is developing The Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision is working on this year's Call of Duty. In the near future, id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch in May.
With such a diverse and ambitious lineup, fans eagerly await further updates on Everwild and Rare's progress in bringing this unique and magical world to life.
