What is the story about?
What's Happening?
New screenshots of Everwild, a canceled fantasy game by Rare, have emerged online. The game was in development for over a decade before its cancellation by Xbox this summer. The screenshots, shared by a former staff member, depict a silver-haired hero exploring ruins in a forest. Everwild was intended to be a third-person fantasy adventure with god-genre elements, but faced several development changes, including a reboot after the exit of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020.
Why It's Important?
The cancellation of Everwild highlights the challenges faced by game developers in bringing ambitious projects to fruition. It underscores the impact of corporate decisions on creative endeavors, especially amid layoffs and project cancellations. The screenshots provide a glimpse into what could have been a significant addition to Xbox's fantasy game lineup, potentially affecting Rare's reputation and future projects.
What's Next?
Rare is focusing on its successful pirate-live service game, Sea of Thieves, with plans for updates and a new paid subscription model in 2026. The studio's future beyond Sea of Thieves remains uncertain, as it navigates the aftermath of Everwild's cancellation and the departure of key personnel.
Beyond the Headlines
The cancellation of Everwild raises questions about the sustainability of large-scale game development in an industry increasingly driven by live service models and subscription-based revenue streams. It also reflects the pressures on creative teams to adapt to shifting corporate priorities and market demands.
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