Microsoft Cancels Perfect Dark and Shuts Down Studio The Initiative

Windows Central has reported on an internal memo from Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, which confirms the cancellation of Perfect Dark and Everwild. Perfect Dark, conceived as a blend of first-person shooter, immersive sim, and stealth-action genres, was set to focus on a near-future war over advanced technology that threatened millions of lives. Developed by The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics for Xbox Series X and Windows PC, it never had an official release date announced. Originally released on Nintendo 64 in 2000, Perfect Dark has a rich history. A remastered version launched on Xbox 360 in 2010, and a Game Boy Color spin-off was also released in 2000. Its prequel, Perfect Dark Zero, was released in 2005. With The Initiative studio now closing its doors, Perfect Dark’s journey in the gaming landscape seems set for another unexpected turn. Microsoft announced today the game’s cancellation and the studio’s impending shutdown. The company also confirmed the cancellation of Rare’s Everwild, which had been anticipated earlier this morning, and the layoff of 9,000 employees across the entire company, spanning from Azure’s infrastructure services to Xbox. These layoffs represent approximately 4% of the company’s workforce and are in addition to previously announced reductions, bringing the total number of positions eliminated to 15,300.

“We have decided to halt development on Perfect Dark and Everwild, and also to terminate several unannounced projects within our portfolio. As part of this, we are closing one of our studios, The Initiative. These decisions, along with other changes within our teams, reflect a broader effort to adjust priorities and focus resources for greater success in an ever-evolving industry landscape. We do not take these decisions lightly, as each project and team represents years of effort, imagination, and commitment,” wrote Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios. “Our overall portfolio strategy remains unchanged: to develop games that excite our players, continue developing our major franchises, and create new stories, worlds, and characters. We have over 40 projects in active development, strong momentum for this fall’s titles, and robust plans extending into 2026.” The Initiative was founded in 2018 by former Crystal Dynamics head Darrell Gallagher, alongside several veterans known for creating games like Tomb Raider. Perfect Dark would have been the studio’s first title.

For those who are curious about the initial unveiling of Perfect Dark’s revised vision, be sure to check out “Perfect Dark Unveiled: It’s No Longer the Same Game!” by Ahmed Hassan (June 9, 2024). The blog delves into the debut gameplay trailer that signals a dramatic shift from the original concept. With an eco-thriller twist and modernized gameplay elements like parkour and advanced combat mechanics, this new direction might surprise longtime fans and attract a fresh audience. Dive deeper into how Joanna Dark’s journey evolves in this near-future setting at Perfect Dark Unveiled: It’s No Longer the Same Game!.