What happened to Rare's Everwild? Announced over five years ago at Microsoft's X019 presentation, its absence from subsequent Xbox showcases and swirling reboot rumors have fueled speculation about its fate. However, Xbox boss Phil Spencer assures us the game is still alive.

In an interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, highlighting a recent visit to Rare Studios (developers of Sea of Thieves) to assess its progress. He cited Everwild, alongside State of Decay and the next Double Fine project, as titles he's enthusiastic about, emphasizing the time afforded to these teams despite Microsoft's busy release schedule, significantly boosted by the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. Spencer stated, "We can give those teams time."

Everwild's journey hasn't been without its challenges. Following 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 Piñata, and Sea of Thieves) stepped in to lead development.

While initially described as a third-person adventure game with god game elements (based on reports and the July 2020 trailer which stated: "Everwild is a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience awaits in a natural and magical world."), the game's prolonged development suggests potential changes.

With Microsoft juggling a substantial portfolio of upcoming titles, including Perfect Dark, the next Halo installment, Playground Games' new Fable, Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls VI, Activision's annual Call of Duty release, and the imminent May launch of id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages, Everwild's eventual release date remains uncertain, but its continued development is confirmed.