Scalebound was once heralded as one of the most ambitious action projects of its time, melding dynamic combat, music, and a unique system of interaction with a massive dragon companion. This title became one of the rare Xbox One exclusives that sparked immense interest, yet it never saw the light of day. Initially announced in 2014, the project faced an abrupt halt by Microsoft in 2017, leaving fans disappointed.
Recently, Clovers Inc's official X account shared a video featuring Hideki Kamiya and his colleagues revisiting archived gameplay footage of Scalebound. During this nostalgic review, Kamiya expressed pride in the project despite its cancellation. Adding fuel to the revival rumors, Kamiya retweeted 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 ongoing interest in bringing Scalebound back to life, a sentiment he first voiced in early 2022.
Speculation about Scalebound's potential return has been a recurring topic, with rumors intensifying in early 2023. Various sources hinted at a possible reboot, though Microsoft remained silent on the matter. In an interview with the Japanese publication Game Watch, Phil Spencer responded to inquiries about Scalebound with a smile and a non-committal, "I have nothing to add at this time."
Even if Microsoft shows renewed interest, fans shouldn't anticipate a swift revival. Currently, Hideki Kamiya is occupied with developing a new installment of Okami at Clovers Inc. Should Xbox give the go-ahead, Kamiya could only resume work on Scalebound after finishing his current commitments. Despite the passage of time, the persistent interest in Scalebound offers hope that one day, gamers might finally experience this long-awaited title.
