Xbox is facing drastic layoffs and cuts today, and it seems as part of those cuts, Rare’s game Everwild has been cancelled entirely, while employees at the studio fear being let go.
Although not officially announced, the cancellation is very likely true. It was initially reported by the folks over at VGC, and since then both Eurogamer and Jason Schreier of Bloomberg have corroborated the news.
If you only count its official announcement, Everwild – a third-person game set in a fantasy world where the focus was on forming bonds with animals rather than fighting – was revealed back in 2019. However, numerous reports suggest it began pre-production as early as 2016.
Since the reveal, very little of Everwild has actually been shown. Since 2020, we’ve only had brief teases in the form of comments, artwork and even a Christmas card, at one point. Earlier this year, Phil Spencer himself assured fans it was still being worked on, saying: “It has been [a while]. And we’ve been able to give those teams time in what they’re doing which is good and still have a portfolio like we have. It’s like a dream that Matt (Booty) and I have had for a long time, so it’s finally good to be there. We can give those teams time”
It seems like Everwild’s time has run out, though.
As for Rare, they continue to support Sea of Thieves which recently got a boost in players by sailing over to PlayStation seas. At this time, they have no other projects officially announced, although I’m sure they are working on something.
On the one hand, it’s hard to feel sad at the loss of something that was barely ever shown. On the other hand, what little we did see seemed compelling, largely because Rare is fantastic at creating a gripping atmosphere. Really, then, I’m more saddened by the lose of potential.
Hopefully, Rare won’t be hit hard by the layoffs.