With its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, and the suite of Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft has transformed into a powerhouse in the gaming world. They’ve got numerous projects simmering in the development pot. Some games, like Rare’s Everwild and Undead Labs’ State of Decay 3, were unveiled quite a while ago and have stayed somewhat under the radar since.
In a chat with Xbox Era, Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, addressed concerns about these games being stuck in development limbo. He emphasized that Microsoft’s expansive reach allows it to provide ample time for studios to perfect their creations.
When asked about which upcoming first-party titles he’s eager about, Spencer highlighted State of Decay 3, Everwild, and the latest project from Tim Schafer’s Double Fine Productions.
“I’ve always been a fan of the State of Decay series since its inception,” commented Spencer. “Double Fine is doing some intriguing work, and Tim’s leadership style of inviting team input is fantastic. As for Rare, witnessing the strides they’re making with Everwild is truly exciting.”
Spencer didn’t shy away from acknowledging the extended quiet periods surrounding these games. “Yes, it’s been a while,” he admitted. “But the great thing is we’ve been able to offer these teams the time they need due to our extensive portfolio. For Matt [Booty] and me, it’s like a long-held dream coming to fruition. It’s satisfying to be in a position where we can afford that luxury.”
In reality, Microsoft isn’t feeling the crunch to expedite game releases. Their lineup for 2025 is already brimming with titles like Obsidian’s Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, id Software’s Doom: The Dark Ages, Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight, Playground Games’ Fable, and Ninja Gaiden 4 from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames. Plus, we’re likely to see another Call of Duty installment.
Spencer also shared plans to visit The Coalition next week, a studio renowned for the Gears of War series, to catch up on the progress of Gears of War: E-Day, a project that’s been in the works for some time. The last Gears game made waves in 2019. “Next week, I’ll be there," he remarked with enthusiasm. "I feel like a kid in a candy store whenever they open the doors for me.”
