Possible Revival of Scalebound Development?

Scalebound, a once highly anticipated Xbox One exclusive, captivated gamers with its innovative blend of action combat, captivating music, and a unique dragon companion system. However, this ambitious project, announced in 2014, ultimately met an untimely end in 2017 when Microsoft cancelled its development.

Recently, a nostalgic video surfaced on Clover's Inc.'s X account, showcasing Hideki Kamiya and his team revisiting archived Scalebound gameplay. Kamiya fondly reminisced about the game's development, expressing continued pride in the project despite its cancellation. He punctuated this sentiment with a tweet directly to Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, simply stating: "Come on, Phil, let's do this!"

This isn't a new plea. Kamiya previously expressed interest in reviving Scalebound in early 2022, suggesting a renewed conversation with Microsoft. While speculation surrounding a Scalebound return frequently resurfaces, rumors intensified in early 2023, fueled by several unconfirmed reports. However, Microsoft remained officially silent.

When questioned about Scalebound by Game Watch, Phil Spencer offered only a cryptic smile and the noncommittal response, "I have nothing to add at this time."

Even with renewed interest from Microsoft, a swift Scalebound return is unlikely. Hideki Kamiya and Clover's Inc. are currently focused on a new Okami title. Any Scalebound revival would depend on the completion of their current projects, before development could even begin. Despite the years of silence, the persistent hope remains that one day, gamers will finally experience the game's long-awaited release.