Rare's Everwild has been a topic of much speculation and curiosity since its announcement at Microsoft's X019 event over five years ago. Despite its absence from recent Xbox showcases and rumors of a reboot, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed that the project is still very much alive and progressing.
In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for upcoming titles, including Everwild. He mentioned a visit to Rare's UK studio, where he observed the team's work on Everwild firsthand. Spencer's enthusiasm was evident as he discussed not only Everwild but also other anticipated projects like State of Decay and the next game from Double Fine.
Spencer emphasized Microsoft's commitment to giving development teams the time they need to create their games, even with a robust release schedule bolstered by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. This approach allows for thoughtful development without rushing projects to market.
Everwild itself has faced its share of challenges, including the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. However, the project remains in capable hands with veteran designer Gregg Mayles now at the helm. Mayles brings a wealth of experience from his work on iconic titles such as Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Piñata, and Sea of Thieves.
While details about Everwild are still somewhat scarce, it was initially described as a third-person adventure game with elements of a god game. The last trailer, released in July 2020, promised "a unique and unforgettable experience" set in a natural and magical world. Given the length of time in development, it's possible that the game's concept has evolved.
Microsoft's portfolio of upcoming games is extensive, featuring titles like the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo, and Playground's new Fable game. Alongside these, Bethesda is developing The Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision is preparing this year's Call of Duty. In the near future, fans can look forward to id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages, set to launch in May.
In summary, while Everwild has taken longer than expected to come to fruition, it remains a promising project under Rare's stewardship, with Microsoft's continued support and a clear vision for its future.
