Possible Revival of Scalebound Development?

Scalebound was once hailed as a groundbreaking action game, blending dynamic combat, music, and an innovative system for interacting with a colossal dragon companion. This ambitious title was set to be one of the few Xbox One exclusives that captured widespread attention upon its announcement in 2014. However, despite high expectations, Microsoft officially canceled the project in 2017, leaving fans disappointed and curious about what could have been.

Recently, the official Clovers Inc account on X shared a video featuring Hideki Kamiya and his team revisiting archived gameplay footage of Scalebound. In the video, Kamiya spoke fondly of the game's development, expressing continued pride in the project despite its cancellation. He further fueled speculation by retweeting the video with a direct message to Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming division, saying, "Come on, Phil, let's do this!". This bold statement suggests Kamiya's ongoing interest in reviving the game, echoing his earlier sentiments from early 2022 when he expressed a desire to revisit the project with Microsoft.

Speculation about Scalebound's potential return has been a recurring topic, with rumors intensifying in early 2023. Various sources hinted at a possible reboot, though Microsoft remained silent on the matter. In an interview with the Japanese publication Game Watch, Phil Spencer was questioned about Scalebound but responded with a smile and a non-committal, "I have nothing to add at this time".

Even if Microsoft shows interest in reviving Scalebound, fans should not expect a swift return. Currently, Hideki Kamiya is engaged with his studio, Clovers Inc, on a new installment of Okami. Should Xbox approve the project's revival, Kamiya would likely only be able to start work on Scalebound after completing his current commitments. Despite these hurdles, the continued attention and nostalgia surrounding Scalebound offer hope that this long-awaited game might one day see the light of day.