Scalebound: Potential Development Revival?

Scalebound was once heralded as one of the most ambitious action projects, promising dynamic combat, immersive music, and a groundbreaking system of interaction with a massive dragon companion. As one of the rare Xbox One exclusives, it sparked immense excitement upon its announcement in 2014. However, after several years of anticipation, Microsoft officially pulled the plug on its development in 2017.

Recently, Clovers Inc's official account on X shared a video featuring Hideki Kamiya and his team reminiscing over archived gameplay footage of Scalebound. Kamiya expressed a sense of nostalgia and pride in the project, despite its cancellation. He further amplified the sentiment by retweeting the video with a message aimed at Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming division, saying, "Come on, Phil, let's do this!" This statement underscores Kamiya's ongoing interest in reviving the game, a desire he has voiced before, notably in early 2022 when he mentioned wanting to discuss a potential restart with Microsoft.

Speculation about Scalebound's return has been a recurring topic, with rumors intensifying in early 2023. While several sources hinted at a possible reboot, Microsoft remained silent, offering no official confirmation. In an interview with the Japanese publication Game Watch, when questioned about Scalebound, Phil Spencer offered only a smile and the comment, "I have nothing to add at this time."

Should Microsoft show renewed interest in Scalebound, an immediate revival isn't on the cards. Currently, Hideki Kamiya is engaged with his studio, Clovers Inc, working on a new installment of Okami. Only after completing this project could Kamiya potentially turn his attention back to Scalebound. Nonetheless, the continued discussions and Kamiya's persistent enthusiasm suggest that the dream of seeing Scalebound released one day is still alive among fans and developers alike.