Everwild has reportedly been cancelled amid Xbox layoffs
Rare employees will likely be part of the Xbox layoffs, according to Video Games Chronicle . VGC and Bloomberg 's Jason Schreier were the first to report the game's cancellation. (Schreier added that an MMORPG project from Zenimax, codenamed "Blackbird," was also scrapped.)
Rare officially announced Everwild in 2019. But the game had been in development since around 2014. Its trailer finally arrived five years ago, hinting at a lush and magical atmosphere. However, the footage offered no hints about gameplay. That may have been intentional. Its development reportedly suffered from a lack of clear direction.
It was even said to have survived a "restart from scratch" in 2021 when Gregg Mayles took over direction. (He's known for titles like Donkey Kong Country , Banjo-Kazooie , Viva Piñata and Sea of Thieves .) Xbox explained the lack of official updates by saying it was waiting until it had "something cool to show."
As recently as February, the game seemed to be on track. Microsoft's Phil Spencer said, "It's nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they're making." Words, words, words…
That brings us to today, with the coda of an all-too-familiar story. Developers lose jobs. Gamers miss out on the chance to play something that had countless resources poured into it. And the gaming industry tightens its belt even further. How much tighter can it get?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Engadget
5 hours ago
- Engadget
A Nintendo Direct focused on third-party games is taking place on July 31
It's almost time for another Nintendo Direct. A showcase of games from Nintendo's partners that are coming to the Nintendo Switch and/or Switch 2 is set for 9AM ET on July 31 . The stream will run for around 25 minutes and you can watch it above when the time is right. This is a partner showcase, so you probably shouldn't expect to find out release dates for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond or Kirby Air Riders here. Instead, we'll hear about projects from third-party studios and publishers. Maybe we'll finally get some details about Call of Duty games coming to Nintendo platforms, something Microsoft said would happen when it signed a pact with the company a couple of years back. And then, of course, there's the small matter of Hollow Knight: Silksong . Yeah, yeah, we bring this game up every time one of these showcases happens. But it's far and away one of the most highly anticipated games right now. It's still slated to arrive this year and we now know it'll be playable at Xbox's booth at Gamescom next month. So maybe, maybe, maybe this Direct will, at long last, reveal that all-important Silksong release date.
The Verge
8 hours ago
- The Verge
Microsoft has a Surface Laptop ‘Smurface Edition' for Smurfs fans.
Posted Jul 30, 2025 at 11:21 AM UTC Microsoft has a Surface Laptop 'Smurface Edition' for Smurfs fans. Microsoft rarely does limited editions of its Surface products, but it has quietly launched a 'Smurface Edition' in time for the Smurfs movie. I was expecting it to be a totally blue design, but instead Microsoft has laser-etched the Smurfs to the front, alongside a blue Surface logo. Other than that, it's a 13-inch Surface Laptop 7 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $999.99. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Tom Warren Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Tom Warren Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Microsoft Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Top 15 Leaders in Global Location Based Entertainment Market Quadrant
The Location Based Entertainment Market Companies Quadrant offers a profound industry analysis, spotlighting top global players and emerging trends in location-based entertainment. This sector thrives in venues like amusement parks and game arcades, fueled by VR, AR, and MR technologies for immersive experiences. Factors such as increased consumer leisure spending and experiential marketing are driving market growth, with North America leading at a projected 35.3% market share by 2024. Key players like Google, Meta, and Microsoft are innovating through strategic partnerships and advanced technologies, shaping the market's future landscape. Dublin, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Location-based Entertainment - Company Evaluation Report" has been added to Location Based Entertainment Market Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Location Based Entertainment Market. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. Over 100 companies were evaluated, of which the Top 15 Location Based Entertainment Market companies were categorized and recognized as the quadrant growth of the location-based entertainment market is driven by rising demand for immersive experiences and advancements in technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). These innovations have enabled more interactive and engaging attractions. Additional factors include higher consumer spending on leisure, growing tourism, and increased interest in unique, multisensory experiences that combine entertainment, education, and social interaction. The market also benefits from trends such as experiential marketing, widespread mobile device use, social media influence, and the diversification of attraction types catering to a broader location-based entertainment market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is expected to hold the largest market share of 35.3% in 2024, driven by early adoption of immersive technologies and the strong presence of key players like Google, Meta, Nvidia, Unity Technologies, and Microsoft. Europe and the Middle East & Africa are in the maturity phase, showing slower growth due to early investments in the sector. Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 27.5% during the forecast period, led by government initiatives and rapid adoption of immersive technologies in countries like India, China, Japan, and Singapore. India is expected to emerge as the region's largest market, supported by digital transformation and expanding use of AR, VR, and 360 Quadrant maps the Location Based Entertainment Market companies based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Location Based Entertainment Market quadrant. The top criteria for product footprint evaluation included By Type (Systems, software, services.), By Venue (Amusement parks, theme parks, arcades, other venues.) By Applications (Gaming, immersive rides, cinematic experiences.)Key Players:The report covers the profiles of major market players, such as Google (US), Meta (US), Microsoft (US), Nvidia (US), Unity Technologies (US), Sony Interactive Entertainment (US), Samsung (South Korea), Barco Electronic Systems (Belgium), Panasonic (Japan), Huawei Technologies (China), HQ Software (Estonia), HTC Vive (Taiwan), Niantic Inc. (US), Vicon Motion Systems (UK), Optitrack (US), Springboard VR (US), 4Experience (Poland), Hologate (Germany), Ultraleap (UK), Magic Leap (US), Shape Immersive (Canada), Camon (Argentina), KatVR (US), Virtuix (US), and Pico XR (US), Illumix (US), and SandboxVR (US). These companies have adopted various strategies, such as acquisitions, business expansions, product launches, product enhancements, partnerships, agreements, and collaborations, to cater to the growing demand for location-based entertainment worldwide and strengthen their market position. These strategies have also been tracked and mentioned in the is a leading force in the location-based entertainment market, standing out due to its comprehensive product range and strategic market leadership. With innovative offerings such as the HoloLens 2 and Mesh platforms, Microsoft has significantly contributed to the field of mixed reality. Its strategic partnerships, notably with AT&T, highlight its commitment to enhancing immersive experiences and broadening its consumer reach. The company's robust market share is supported by a focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing digital position in the location-based entertainment market is reinforced by its significant investment in VR technologies, exemplified by the Meta Quest series. This line provides consumers with advanced mixed reality capabilities, strengthening Meta's foothold in this competitive market. By leveraging its vast product portfolio, Meta continuously upgrades its offerings to stay ahead in the innovation curve. The company's strategic focus on enhancing user experiences positions it as a key player in shaping the future of immersive maintains a strong presence in the market, driven by its advancements in augmented reality technologies and strategic collaborations. By extending its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, Google has facilitated the integration of AR experiences directly onto Google Maps, enhancing user interactions. Google's extensive product portfolio and global reach underscore its strategic initiatives to harness emerging technologies, thereby strengthening its market position and enhancing its competitive Topics Covered: 1 Introduction1.1 Market Definition1.2 Inclusions and Exclusions1.3 Stakeholders2 Executive Summary3 Market Overview and Industry Trends3.1 Introduction3.2 Market Dynamics3.2.1 Drivers3.2.1.1 Rising Consumer Spending Power3.2.1.2 Advancements in VR and AR Technologies3.2.1.3 Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Technologies3.2.1.4 Rising Demand for Social and Shared Experiences3.2.2 Restraints3.2.2.1 Limited Scalability of Location-based Entertainment Business3.2.2.2 High Upfront Cost3.2.2.3 Impact of Wealth Dependency3.2.3 Opportunities3.2.3.1 Increase in Live Events and Performances3.2.3.2 Rising Popularity of Wearables Such as Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches3.2.3.3 Collaboration with Brands & Events3.2.4 Challenges3.2.4.1 Regulatory Requirements at Local, State, and Federal Levels3.2.4.2 Rapid Pace of Technological Change3.2.4.3 Limited Appeal3.3 Brief History of Location-based Entertainment3.4 Ecosystem Analysis3.5 Technology Analysis3.5.1 Key Technologies3.5.1.1 Virtual Reality3.5.1.2 Augmented Reality3.5.1.3 Projection Mapping3.5.2 Complementary Technologies3.5.2.1 Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)3.5.2.2 Internet of Things (IoT)3.5.2.3 5G3.5.3 Adjacent Technologies3.5.3.1 Wearable Devices3.5.3.2 Cloud Computing3.6 Patent Analysis3.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis3.8 Trends/Disruptions Impacting Customer Business3.9 Key Conferences and Events, 2025-20263.10 Technology Roadmap for Location-based Entertainment Market3.11 Best Practices in Location-based Entertainment Market3.11.1 Seamless Integration of Technology3.11.2 Personalization of Experiences3.11.3 Focus on Hygiene and Safety3.11.4 Scalability of Infrastructure3.12 Current and Emerging Business Models3.12.1 Pay-Per-Experience Model3.12.2 Subscription Model3.12.3 Partnership & Licensing Model3.12.4 Freemium Model3.12.5 Data Monetization3.13 Location-based Entertainment Market: Tools, Frameworks, and Techniques3.14 Impact of Generative AI on Location-based Entertainment Market3.14.1 Top Use Cases and Market Potential3.14.2 Best Practices3.14.2.1 Hospitality & Tourism3.14.2.2 Retail & Shopping Malls3.14.2.3 Sports & Live Entertainment3.14.3 Case Studies of Generative AI Implementation3.14.3.1 AI-Powered Virtual Tour Guide Enhancing Visitor Engagement3.14.3.2 Smart AI Concierge Improving Guest Satisfaction in Theme Parks3.14.3.3 AI-Generated Gamified Retail Experience Boosting Foot Traffic in Shopping Malls3.14.4 Client Readiness and Impact Assessment3.14.4.1 Client A: Powered Personalized Storytelling3.14.4.2 Client B: Intelligent Virtual Assistants & Concierges3.14.4.3 Client C: AI-Driven Gamification & Interactive Experiences4 Competitive Landscape4.1 Introduction4.2 Key Player Strategies/Right to Win,4.3 Revenue Analysis4.4 Market Share Analysis4.5 Market Ranking Analysis4.6 Company Evaluation Matrix: Key Players, 20244.7 Company Evaluation Matrix: Startups/SMEs, 20244.8 Competitive Scenario and Trends4.9 Brand/Product Comparison Analysis4.10 Company Valuation and Financial Metrics of Key Location-based Entertainment Market ProvidersCompany Profiles Major Players Microsoft Google Meta Unity Technologies Nvidia Sony Interactive Entertainment Samsung Barco Electronic Systems Panasonic Other Players HQ Software HTC Vive Niantic Inc. Vicon Motion Systems Optitrack Startups/SMEs Springboardvr 4Experience Hologate Ultraleap Magic Leap Shape Immersive Camon Katvr Virtuix Pico Illumix Sandbox VR For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
