Phil Spencer Updates on Rare's Everwild Development

Rare's Everwild has been a topic of intrigue and speculation since its announcement at Microsoft's X019 event over five years ago. Despite its absence from numerous Xbox showcases and swirling rumors of reboots, Xbox executive Phil Spencer has reassured fans that the project remains alive and well.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, noting that he had visited Rare's UK studio to witness the game's development firsthand. Rare, the studio behind the live service pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves, is diligently working on Everwild, and Spencer's visit left him impressed with the progress.

Spencer highlighted several other anticipated titles, including State of Decay and a new game from Double Fine, led by Tim Schafer. He emphasized Microsoft's commitment to giving developers the time they need to create exceptional games, even as the company maintains a robust release schedule, bolstered by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.

Everwild has faced its share of challenges, including rumors of a reboot, which Microsoft has denied, and the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. However, Rare has since appointed veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves, to lead the project.

While specific details about Everwild remain scarce, early reports suggested it would be a third-person adventure game with elements of a god game. However, given the extended development period, the game's final form may differ from initial descriptions. The last trailer for Everwild, released in July 2020, promised "a unique and unforgettable experience" in a "natural and magical world."

Microsoft's portfolio of in-development games is extensive, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo installment, and Playground's new Fable game. Bethesda is also working on The Elder Scrolls 6, while Activision continues to develop 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.

As Everwild continues to evolve behind the scenes, fans remain hopeful that this long-awaited title from Rare will eventually deliver the magical experience promised in its early reveals.