It’s a tough day for fans holding out hope for Rare’s enchanting new IP. A bombshell report is making the rounds today, suggesting that the long-in-development title Everwild is canceled. Sources close to the project have reportedly confirmed the game’s cancellation, a move that is also tied to a significant and broader restructuring at the legendary studio, Rare.
This news comes from multiple sources who spoke with VGC and industry insider Jason Schreier of Bloomberg. According to their reports, the development team was informed of the decision recently. This stunning development about Everwild canceled unfortunately doesn’t stop there; the sources also point towards a major shake-up at Rare, which could include another round of layoffs, echoing the recent job cuts across Microsoft’s other gaming studios.
What Happened to Everwild?
For many, this feels like a sudden end to a long, quiet journey. Everwild was first revealed back in November 2019 with a trailer that captivated everyone with its stunning visuals and mysterious world. However, the game’s development has been troubled. Over the years, the project has reportedly faced significant changes in creative direction and the departure of key team members.
Despite the silence, there was a glimmer of hope. Many fans expected to see it reappear at the recent Xbox Games Showcase, but it was a no-show. This absence is now cast in a much more ominous light. The news is especially jarring considering Xbox head Phil Spencer stated in February that development on the game was progressing well, a comment that now seems painfully optimistic if these rumors of Everwild canceled are true.
A Long Development Cycle Comes to an End
The potential cancellation of Everwild marks the conclusion of a very long development cycle. While it was announced in 2019, LinkedIn profiles from developers in 2021 revealed the game had already been in the works for over five years at that point. This means Rare has been pouring resources into this ambitious project for a significant amount of time, making the decision to have Everwild canceled a substantial one.
The combination of a canceled flagship project and a studio-wide restructuring paints a concerning picture for the future of Rare, a developer beloved for decades of iconic games. For now, the community awaits an official word from Rare or Microsoft to confirm or deny these reports. We will keep you updated as this story develops.
