Scalebound was once heralded as one of the most ambitious action projects of its time, blending dynamic combat, an evocative soundtrack, and a groundbreaking system of interaction with a massive dragon companion. As an Xbox One exclusive, it captured the imagination of gamers worldwide upon its announcement in 2014. However, despite the initial excitement, Microsoft officially pulled the plug on its development in 2017, leaving fans disappointed and longing for what could have been.
Recently, the official X account of Clovers Inc shared a video featuring Hideki Kamiya and his team reviewing archived gameplay footage of Scalebound. In the video, Kamiya reflected nostalgically on the game's creation and expressed continued pride in the project, despite its cancellation. Adding fuel to the fire, Kamiya retweeted the video with a provocative message aimed at Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division: "Come on, Phil, let's do this!" This direct appeal hints at Kamiya's ongoing interest in reviving the long-dormant project. It's not the first time he's voiced his desire to revisit Scalebound; earlier in 2022, he expressed a wish to discuss the possibility of resuming development with Microsoft.
The gaming community's interest in Scalebound's potential return has waxed and waned over the years, but rumors of a reboot intensified in early 2023. Although several sources suggested a possible revival, Microsoft remained tight-lipped, with no official confirmation forthcoming. In an interview with Game Watch, a Japanese publication, Phil Spencer was asked about the game's status. His response was a simple smile and the statement, "I have nothing to add at this time," leaving fans to speculate on the project's future.
Even if Microsoft shows renewed interest in Scalebound, a swift return of the game is unlikely. Hideki Kamiya is currently engrossed in developing a new installment of Okami at Clovers Inc. Should Xbox greenlight the project, Kamiya would be able to begin work on Scalebound only after completing his current commitments. Nonetheless, the enduring discussion and nostalgia surrounding Scalebound suggest that the dream of its eventual release remains alive among gamers, offering a glimmer of hope for its return.
