It's been over five years since Rare unveiled Everwild at Microsoft's X019 presentation, and the game has been notably absent from subsequent Xbox showcases. Speculation about reboots and the project's status has been rife, but Xbox boss Phil Spencer has put those concerns to rest. In an interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed excitement for Everwild, mentioning a recent visit to Rare's UK studio to see the progress firsthand.
Spencer highlighted his enthusiasm for several upcoming titles, including State of Decay and the next game from Double Fine, but it was his comments on Everwild that grabbed attention. He praised the work being done at Rare, indicating that the development team is making significant strides with the game.
Microsoft's strategy, according to Spencer, involves giving developers ample time to work on their projects, even with a packed release schedule bolstered by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. He mentioned upcoming visits to other studios, like The Coalition in Vancouver, showing Microsoft's active engagement with its development teams.
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. Veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves, has since taken the helm.
As for what Everwild entails, initial reports suggested a third-person adventure game with god game elements, but the extended development time may have led to changes. The last trailer, released in July 2020, described Everwild as a "brand new IP from Rare" promising "a unique and unforgettable experience in a natural and magical world."
Microsoft's pipeline is filled with other in-development titles, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo, and Playground's new Fable game. Bethesda is also working on The Elder Scrolls 6, while Activision is busy with this year's Call of Duty. In the near future, id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch in May.
