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Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Issues Update on Rare’s Long in Development Everwild

By GraceMar 01,2025

Rare's Everwild: Still in Development, According to Xbox Boss

Over five years after its announcement at Microsoft's X019, the status of Rare's Everwild remains a topic of discussion. Absence from recent Xbox showcases and rumors of a reboot have fueled speculation. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer confirmed in an interview with XboxEra that the game is still actively in development.

Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, noting a recent visit to Rare studios in the UK to observe the team's progress. He highlighted Everwild alongside other anticipated titles, including the next State of Decay and Double Fine's upcoming project, emphasizing Microsoft's ability to provide development teams ample time, even with a robust release schedule fueled by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.

The development of Everwild has faced challenges, including a denied reboot rumor 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 director's reins.

While early reports described Everwild as a third-person adventure with god game elements, the game's prolonged development suggests potential shifts in its design. The last trailer, released in July 2020, simply described it as "a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience await in a natural and magical world."

Everwild joins a lengthy list of Microsoft's in-development titles, including the Perfect Dark reboot, the next Halo installment, Playground's new Fable game, Bethesda's Elder Scrolls 6, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release. This underscores the considerable breadth of Microsoft's gaming portfolio.

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