The Perfect Dark reboot, initially announced in 2022, has been canceled, with its developer, The Initiative, confirmed to be shutting down by Microsoft. This cancellation is part of significant layoffs affecting approximately 4% of Microsoft's workforce, translating to around 9,000 job losses across various gaming studios. The Initiative was formed in 2018 and was viewed as a high-profile developer, collaborating with Crystal Dynamics on Perfect Dark. Gameplay from the reboot was showcased in 2024 but failed to progress adequately, prompting its cancellation while other studios also face implications from the layoffs.
Microsoft has confirmed the cancellation of Xbox's Perfect Dark reboot and the shutdown of its developer, The Initiative, as part of layoffs affecting around 9,000 people.
The Initiative, a 'AAAA' studio formed in 2018, was led by former Crystal Dynamics head Darrel Gallagher and included developers from top gaming studios.
Players got their first look at Perfect Dark gameplay in 2024 with a first-person shooter featuring immersive sim elements, although it never received a release window.
Despite showcasing gameplay in 2024, reports indicated that the Perfect Dark reboot was struggling and had not properly come together after partnerships.
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