Scalebound was once hailed as one of the most ambitious action projects, seamlessly blending dynamic combat, music, and an innovative system of interaction with a colossal dragon companion. This title was poised to be a standout Xbox One exclusive, capturing widespread attention upon its announcement in 2014. However, despite the high anticipation, Microsoft pulled the plug on its development in 2017, leaving fans disappointed.
Recently, Clovers Inc's official account on X shared a video featuring Hideki Kamiya and his team revisiting archived gameplay footage of Scalebound. Kamiya expressed nostalgia for the game's development process and took pride in the project, even after its cancellation. He further emphasized his ongoing interest by retweeting the video with a direct message to Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming division, stating, "Come on, Phil, let's do this!". This plea underscores Kamiya's persistent desire to revive the game, a sentiment he voiced as early as 2022.
Speculation about Scalebound's potential return has been a recurring topic, with rumors gaining momentum in early 2023. Though several sources hinted at a possible reboot, no official confirmation from Microsoft has surfaced. When asked about Scalebound by the Japanese publication Game Watch, Phil Spencer offered a smile but no further comment, leaving fans to speculate on the project's future.
Even if Microsoft shows renewed interest, fans shouldn't expect a swift revival. Currently, Hideki Kamiya is engaged with the development of a new Okami installment at Clovers Inc. Should Xbox greenlight Scalebound, Kamiya could only commence work after concluding his present commitments. Yet, the continued discussion and hope surrounding Scalebound suggest that one day, players might finally experience this long-awaited game.
