What's Happening?
Rare, the studio behind Sea of Thieves, has canceled its long-awaited fantasy game Everwild. The game, which was in development for over a decade, faced multiple changes, including a full reboot after the exit of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. Veteran designer Gregg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, was brought in to lead the project but is now believed to have left the studio following the game's cancellation. Fresh screenshots of Everwild have surfaced online, showing a version of the game close to its cancellation, depicting a silver-haired hero exploring ruins in a forest. Rare has announced plans to focus on Sea of Thieves, with updates and a new paid subscription model set to launch in early 2026.
Why It's Important?
The cancellation of Everwild marks a significant shift for Rare, a studio known for its innovative and successful titles. The decision reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on live-service games that offer ongoing revenue streams. Rare's pivot to enhancing Sea of Thieves suggests a strategic move to capitalize on the game's existing popularity and community engagement. This shift may impact the studio's creative direction and influence future game development strategies within the industry.
What's Next?
Rare plans to continue supporting Sea of Thieves with updates and a new subscription model, indicating a commitment to the game's long-term success. The studio's focus on this live-service game may lead to further innovations in gameplay and community interaction. The gaming community will be watching closely to see how Rare navigates this transition and whether it will announce new projects in the future.
