Perfect Dark Reboot Canceled as The Initiative Gets Shut Down by Microsoft
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- Microsoft’s massive layoffs have led to the cancellation of Perfect Dark’s reboot.
- Everwild and other unannounced projects were also canceled due to the layoffs.
- Perfect Dark was released back in 2000 and was developed by Rare.
Microsoft’s massive layoffs have led to Perfect Dark’s reboot being canceled as the studio behind it, The Initiative, has been closed down. This was first reported by Windows Central, which also confirmed that a few unannounced projects have been shuttered due to the layoffs.
According to Windows Central, Microsoft’s layoffs encompassed 4% of its global workforce. The Seattle Times estimates this to be approximately 9,100 employees. Windows Central has obtained an internal email from Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty regarding the project cancellations.
Booty mentioned that the cancellations of Perfect Dark, Everwild and other unannounced projects reflect an adjustment in priorities. He added that the overall portfolio strategy remains unchanged and that they want to build games that will excite players. Booty also said that there are over 40 projects in active development. Windows Central claims that its sources confirmed that every game shown in the recent Xbox Showcase is not canceled and will continue its development.
Aside from Everwild, Windows Central also claims that ZeniMax Online’s MMORPG Blackbird has also been canceled after seven years of development. It was rumored to be the successor to The Elder Scrolls Online.
Perfect Dark is a first-person stealth shooter game developed by Rare. It is a spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007 and was released in 2000. A trailer for the reboot was shown during the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, but no new footage or updates have been released until today.
