Possible Revival of Scalebound Development?

Scalebound was once heralded as one of the most ambitious action projects of its era, merging dynamic combat, immersive music, and a distinctive interaction system with a colossal dragon companion. This game stood out as a rare Xbox One exclusive that sparked significant anticipation but ultimately never saw the light of day. Announced in 2014, the project was officially discontinued by Microsoft in 2017 after several years of development.

Recently, the official Clovers Inc account on X shared a video featuring Hideki Kamiya and his team revisiting archived gameplay footage of Scalebound. Kamiya expressed a nostalgic fondness for the game's development and took pride in the project, despite its cancellation. He further amplified his sentiments by retweeting the video with the message, "Come on, Phil, let's do this!" directed at Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, indicating his ongoing interest in reviving the game. This isn't the first time Kamiya has voiced a desire to revisit the project; he mentioned it back in early 2022 as well.

The gaming community frequently discusses the potential return of Scalebound, with rumors intensifying in early 2023 when several sources suggested a possible reboot. However, Microsoft has yet to make any official announcements on the matter. When questioned about Scalebound by the Japanese publication Game Watch, Phil Spencer responded with a smile and a non-committal, "I have nothing to add at this time."

Even if Microsoft were to show renewed interest, a swift revival of Scalebound is unlikely. Currently, Hideki Kamiya is engaged with his studio, Clovers Inc, working on a new installment of Okami. Should Xbox greenlight the project, Kamiya would only be able to commence development after concluding his current commitments. Nonetheless, the continued remembrance of Scalebound over the years fuels hope that someday, gamers might witness the long-awaited release of this ambitious title.