In a recent wave of layoffs at Microsoft, two highly anticipated games have reportedly been canceled, sending shockwaves through the gaming community. Rare’s Everwild, a project that has been in development for over a decade, and Outriders 2, the sequel to the popular action-shooter, have both been axed due to various issues.
Rare, the veteran developer behind beloved titles like Banjo-Kazooie and Sea of Thieves, has been hit hard by the recent changes at Microsoft. Everwild, a fantasy adventure game first revealed in 2019, has reportedly been canceled after years of development struggles. According to reports from VGC and Bloomberg, Rare couldn’t find the right direction for the project, leading to its ultimate demise. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had previously mentioned that Everwild was making progress, but it seems that the challenges were insurmountable.
On the other hand, Outriders 2, the sequel to the 2021 action-shooter developed by People Can Fly, has also been canceled. Reports from The Thumb Wars and Insider Gaming indicate that issues with publisher Square Enix led to the project’s suspension. People Can Fly cited a lack of necessary assets and communication breakdowns with Square Enix as the primary reasons for the cancellation. While the game was not as close to completion as initially thought, the fallout between the developer and publisher remains a significant blow to the gaming community.
Public reactions to these cancellations have been mixed, with many expressing disappointment and frustration at the loss of highly anticipated titles. Fans of Rare and People Can Fly have taken to social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit to share their thoughts on the news, with some calling for more transparency from the companies involved.
Industry insiders and critics have also weighed in on the cancellations, highlighting the challenges faced by developers and publishers in the ever-evolving gaming landscape. The cancellations of Everwild and Outriders 2 underscore the risks and uncertainties inherent in game development, where even long-standing projects can fall victim to changing priorities and market demands.
The cultural implications of these cancellations are significant, as they raise questions about the sustainability of large-scale game development and the impact of corporate restructuring on creative endeavors. The ethical considerations of these decisions also come into play, as developers and publishers navigate the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial viability.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the stories of Everwild and Outriders 2 serve as cautionary tales of the challenges and complexities of game development. While the cancellations are undoubtedly disappointing for fans and developers alike, they also offer valuable insights into the inner workings of the industry and the delicate dance between creativity and commerce.
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