Rare's Everwild has been a topic of curiosity and speculation since its announcement at Microsoft's X019 event over five years ago. Despite its absence from recent Xbox showcases and rumors of reboots, 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 Everwild, mentioning a visit to Rare's UK studio where he saw the game's development firsthand. He highlighted Everwild alongside other anticipated titles like State of Decay and the next game from Double Fine, emphasizing Microsoft's commitment to giving their development teams ample time to perfect their projects. This approach is supported by Microsoft's robust release schedule, enhanced by the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Everwild has faced its share of challenges, including the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020 and subsequent rumors of a reboot, which Microsoft has denied. The project is now under the guidance of veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Piñata, and Sea of Thieves.
As for what Everwild entails, it was initially described as a third-person adventure game with elements of a god game. However, given the extended development period, the final product may differ from early descriptions. The last trailer, released in July 2020, promised "a unique and unforgettable experience" in a "natural and magical world."
Microsoft's portfolio of upcoming 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 the annual Call of Duty title. In the near future, id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch in May, showcasing Microsoft's busy lineup of releases.
With Everwild, Rare continues to work on creating an immersive and magical experience, and fans eagerly await further updates on this long-awaited title.
