Scalebound, a once-ambitious Xbox One exclusive, captivated gamers with its promise of dynamic combat, stunning music, and a unique bond with a colossal dragon companion. Announced in 2014, this highly anticipated title ultimately fell victim to cancellation in 2017, leaving fans heartbroken.
Recently, however, a flicker of hope ignited. Clovers Inc., on X (formerly Twitter), shared a video showcasing Hideki Kamiya and his team revisiting archived Scalebound gameplay. Kamiya’s nostalgic reflections on the game’s development and expressed pride in the project, despite its cancellation, were palpable. He further fueled speculation by retweeting the video with the pointed message: "Come on, Phil, let's do this!", directly addressing Phil Spencer, head of Xbox.
This isn't a new sentiment from Kamiya; he voiced a similar desire for a Scalebound revival in early 2022, expressing his willingness to discuss the project's future with Microsoft. While rumors of a Scalebound reboot swirled particularly intensely in early 2023, Microsoft remained officially silent. Phil Spencer, when questioned about Scalebound by Game Watch, offered only a cryptic smile and the statement, "I have nothing to add at this time."
Even with renewed interest, a swift return of Scalebound is unlikely. Kamiya and Clovers Inc. are currently immersed in developing a new Okami installment. Any potential Scalebound revival would depend on Xbox giving the green light and would only commence after the completion of their current project. Yet, the persistent discussions and Kamiya’s unwavering enthusiasm offer a glimmer of hope that players may one day finally experience the game’s long-awaited release.