What's Happening?
Rare's anticipated fantasy game Everwild has been canceled following a significant internal restructuring at Xbox. The game, which was in development for over a decade, faced multiple changes, including a full reboot after the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. Gregg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, took over as director but has reportedly left the studio following the game's cancellation. Recently leaked screenshots from a former staff member's portfolio reveal a version of Everwild close to its cancellation, showcasing a silver-haired hero exploring forest ruins. Rare is now focusing on its pirate-live service game, Sea of Thieves, with plans to introduce a paid subscription for custom servers in 2026.
Why It's Important?
The cancellation of Everwild highlights the challenges faced by game developers in maintaining long-term projects amid corporate restructuring. For Rare, a studio with a legacy of successful titles, this marks a significant shift in focus towards existing projects like Sea of Thieves. The decision impacts the gaming community, particularly fans anticipating new content from Rare. It also reflects broader industry trends where companies prioritize live-service models over traditional game releases, potentially affecting employment and creative opportunities within the sector.
What's Next?
Rare's future plans remain centered on Sea of Thieves, with continued updates and the introduction of a paid subscription model. This move suggests a strategic shift towards monetizing existing successful titles rather than investing in new projects. The gaming community may react with disappointment over Everwild's cancellation, but Rare's commitment to Sea of Thieves could strengthen its position in the live-service market. Stakeholders will be watching how Rare navigates this transition and whether it can maintain its reputation for innovation.
Beyond the Headlines
The cancellation of Everwild raises questions about the sustainability of long-term game development projects in an industry increasingly driven by immediate returns and live-service models. Ethical considerations regarding employee job security and creative freedom within such corporate environments are also pertinent. The shift may influence other studios to reassess their project management strategies, potentially leading to a reevaluation of how creativity and business objectives are balanced in game development.
