Scalebound: Hints of a Possible Revival?

Scalebound, once heralded as one of the most ambitious action projects of its time, promised a unique blend of dynamic combat, immersive music, and an innovative system of interaction with a massive dragon companion. Initially announced in 2014 as an Xbox One exclusive, the game captured the imagination of gamers worldwide. However, despite the high anticipation, Microsoft officially pulled the plug on its development in 2017, leaving fans disappointed and curious about what could have been.

Recently, the official account of Clovers Inc on X reignited interest by posting a video of Hideki Kamiya, the game's director, and his colleagues revisiting archived gameplay footage of Scalebound. In the video, Kamiya fondly reminisced about the game's development process, expressing ongoing pride in the project despite its cancellation. He further amplified the buzz 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 plea underscores Kamiya's continued interest in reviving the game, a sentiment he has voiced before, notably in early 2022 when he expressed a willingness to negotiate with Microsoft about restarting the project.

Rumors about Scalebound's potential revival have been circulating, with discussions heating up in early 2023. Several sources suggested a possible reboot, yet Microsoft remained tight-lipped, offering no official confirmation. In an interview with Game Watch, a Japanese publication, Phil Spencer was questioned about Scalebound. His response was a knowing smile and a brief, "I have nothing to add at this time," leaving the door slightly ajar for future developments.

Even if Microsoft does show renewed interest, fans should temper their expectations for a swift return of Scalebound. Hideki Kamiya is currently engrossed in developing a new installment of Okami at Clovers Inc. Should Xbox decide to greenlight the project, Kamiya's involvement would only commence after his current commitments conclude. Nonetheless, the persistent interest and discussions surrounding Scalebound over the years provide a glimmer of hope that one day, this long-awaited game might finally see the light of day.