Phil Spencer Confirms Progress on Everwild Development

Phil Spencer Shares Updates on Rare’s Everwild

In a recent interview on the 250th episode of the Xbox Era podcast, Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, shared exciting insights about Rare’s highly anticipated project, Everwild. During the 36-minute discussion, he included Everwild among his top picks of upcoming titles, alongside State of Decay 3 and a forthcoming game from Double Fine.

Highlights from Spencer’s Remarks

Spencer expressed his affinity for the State of Decay franchise, reflecting on his longstanding enjoyment since the original installment. He commended the collaborative approach of Tim Schafer and his team at Double Fine, appreciating their engagement with player feedback. Spencer also shared his recent visit to Rare, noting the progress the team is making with Everwild.

The Development Journey

Everwild was first unveiled over five years ago during the X019 event, pre-dating the pandemic. Initially, development faced challenges, and it was later reported that the project underwent a major reboot in 2021 due to significant misalignment in its direction.

Positive Signs Ahead

Recent insights from Jez Corden at Windows Central, a reliable source for Xbox Game Studios’ updates, indicated that the gameplay mechanics have finally come together. Spencer’s affirmations lend credibility to these reports, suggesting that fans can eagerly await a reveal in the near future. Additionally, Rare has teased the community with Everwild-themed Christmas cards, hinting at ongoing engagement.

Future Projections

While Everwild could be showcased during the upcoming June event, it is important to temper expectations regarding its release for this year. Microsoft has an impressive slate of titles set for 2025, including:

Avowed (launching shortly, with early access for Premium Edition owners)
South of Midnight from Compulsion Games (available next month)
DOOM: The Dark Ages from id Software (scheduled for May)
Fable (anticipated in Q4)
Ninja Gaiden 4, published by Xbox Game Studios
Gears of War: E-Day (rumored release)
New titles from Activision Blizzard, including an impending Call of Duty installment

Given this lineup, Everwild may more likely be positioned for a 2026 release, alongside other promising projects such as Clockwork Revolution, Perfect Dark, and Double Fine’s next title. This rich array of games illustrates that Microsoft’s significant investment in acquisitions is starting to yield fruitful results, with developers finding their creative momentum within the Xbox ecosystem.

Source & Images