Xbox Game cancellations ignite introspection: Everwild and Perfect Dark called off
After the cancellation of highly anticipated titles such as Everwild from Rare and Perfect Dark from Turn 10, Xbox is refocusing its first-party game development efforts on high-profile projects and refining its existing lineup for 2025 and beyond.
The tech giant is investing heavily in major upcoming titles, particularly from studios like Obsidian. The studio is set to release The Outer Worlds 2 in October 2025 and Grounded 2 this year, both of which will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass.
In line with this strategy, Xbox is aiming to deliver a solid slate of quality games, including sequels, remasters, and new IPs, to ensure a robust first-party lineup. Remasters of fan-favourites such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 are also planned, with new content and set to be available day one on Game Pass.
The platform is also doubling down on Xbox Game Pass as a central pillar, adding a large volume of games to the subscription service, making it a key part of Xbox's strategy moving forward.
The cancellations of Everwild and Perfect Dark signal a re-evaluation of certain high-budget projects. However, Xbox remains committed to expanding its portfolio through a mix of sequels, remasters, and partnerships with internal and external studios to maintain a strong first-party offering.
This approach reflects a more cautious and curated development strategy, emphasising quality and value for subscribers rather than an expansive roster of ambitious yet uncertain projects.
In other news, Microsoft is collaborating with AMD to co-engineer silicon for next-generation Xbox consoles. There are also rumours that the next Xbox will support Steam and potentially have more third-party Xbox devices.
The art style of Everwild, which was Rare's next game after 2018's Sea of Thieves, was reminiscent of Princess Mononoke. The Initiative, the maker of the Perfect Dark reboot, is being shut down.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had previously shown some excitement about Everwild, describing it as a game players could "lose themselves in." However, with the cancellation of several development projects, there is a possibility that Xbox will rely heavily on third-party games in the near future.
In addition, Microsoft is reportedly planning to transition into a third-party publisher with a console and a subscription service. The company is also working on a new handheld device, the ROG Asus Ally, in partnership with Asus.
Microsoft's plans for 9,000 job cuts will reportedly affect the Xbox division. There have been layoffs at Turn10 and Raven Software, and Zenimax Online Studios' next MMORPG has been canceled.
Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, has stated that there will be changes in the Xbox division to focus on strategic growth areas and increase agility and effectiveness. Despite these changes, Xbox remains committed to delivering high-quality games and expanding its game library through Game Pass.
- In the wake of cancelled projects like Everwild and Perfect Dark, Xbox is focusing on high-profile titles, such as those from Obsidian, with The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2 on the horizon.
- As part of this strategy, remasters of classic games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 are planned, making a strong statement about Xbox's commitment to delivering quality content to its subscribers.
- The tech giant is also strengthening its partnerships with internal and external studios, aiming to maintain a robust first-party lineup that includes sequels, remasters, and new IPs.
- Design elements of cancelled games like Everwild, such as its art style reminiscent of Princess Mononoke, might find their way into future creative projects, reflecting the company's continued focus on providing entertainment value.
- With Microsoft's emphasis on a more cautious development strategy and a shift towards becoming a third-party publisher, it's likely that we'll see a variety of partnerships, including potential collaborations for a new handheld device like the ROG Asus Ally.
