Xbox Can Afford to Delay Unreleased Titles Like Everwild and State of Decay 3

With Microsoft now owning gaming giants like Activision Blizzard and Bethesda, alongside an impressive lineup under Xbox Game Studios, it’s hard to overlook the diverse gaming universe they’re shaping. But with such a vast array of projects in the pipeline, some titles announced years back, like Rare’s Everwild and Undead Labs’ State of Decay 3, seem to be taking their sweet time to materialize.

In a chat with Xbox Era, Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, addressed concerns about these developments dragging on. He explained that Microsoft’s extensive resources as a major game publisher allow them to grant their development teams the necessary time to perfect their creations.

When asked about first-party games he was particularly eager for, Spencer highlighted State of Decay 3, Everwild, and a new project from Double Fine Productions led by Tim Schafer.

Reflecting on his enthusiasm, Spencer remarked, “State of Decay has always been a favorite of mine since its inception. I’m also quite taken with the innovative approach Tim Schafer is nurturing at Double Fine. And recently, on a visit to Rare, seeing the progress with Everwild was genuinely uplifting.”

Spencer didn’t shy away from the fact that updates on these games have been sparse. He candidly noted, “Yes, it’s been a lengthier wait than some might like. However, this allows teams to hone their craft without pressure, and despite this, our portfolio remains robust. Achieving this balance has been a long-held aspiration for Matt [Booty] and me.”

Microsoft seems to be in no hurry to fast-track their game releases. Looking at the packed schedule for 2025, 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, as well as Team Ninja and PlatinumGames’ Ninja Gaiden 4 — not forgetting the possibility of another Call of Duty installment — it’s clear they have their hands full.

Spencer also shared his plans to visit The Coalition soon, as they’ve been working on another anticipated title, Gears of War: E-Day. “I’ll be heading there next week,” he chuckled, “I just can’t get enough when they open those studio doors for me.”