Phil Spencer Updates on Rare's Everwild Development

Rare's Everwild has been a topic of much speculation since its announcement over five years ago at Microsoft's X019 event. Despite its absence from subsequent Xbox showcases and swirling rumors of reboots, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has confirmed that the project is still very much alive and progressing.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his enthusiasm for Everwild, noting that he had visited Rare's UK studio, known for running the live service pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves. He praised the development team's efforts and the strides they are making with Everwild. Spencer highlighted other anticipated titles as well, such as State of Decay and the next game from Double Fine, showcasing Microsoft's commitment to nurturing its diverse portfolio of games.

Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard has allowed the company to maintain a robust release schedule while still giving developers ample time to perfect their projects. Spencer emphasized this strategy, mentioning his upcoming visit to The Coalition in Vancouver, the studio behind the Gears of War series.

Everwild has faced its share of challenges, including the departure of its 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 Piñata, and Sea of Thieves, to lead the project.

As for what Everwild entails, it was initially described as a third-person adventure game with elements of a god game. However, given its extended development period, the final product may differ from early descriptions. The last trailer, released in July 2020, promised "a unique and unforgettable experience" set in a natural and magical world.

Microsoft's lineup of upcoming games is extensive, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo installment, and Playground's new Fable game. Additionally, Bethesda is working on The Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision is preparing for this year's Call of Duty release. In the near future, fans can look forward to id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages, set to launch in May.