Perfect Dark has been cancelled, it’s developer The Initiative has been closed, and Xbox is no longer working with Crystal Dynamics.
Multiple sources have confirmed to Insider Gaming that the reboot of Perfect Dark has been cancelled as part of the latest round of Xbox layoffs. In addition to the the game’s cancellation, Microsoft and Xbox have ended their partnership with developer Crystal Dynamics on any projects.
In addition to the partnership ending, the game’s primary first-party developer The Initiative is being shut down. Insider Gaming’s Mike Straw had heard of the studio being at risk of closure, but couldn’t confirm the information. Windows Central’s Jez Corden was first to confirm the studio’s shut down.
In addition to closure confirmation, Corden received the memo from Xbox’s Matt Booty on the decision.
“As part of this, we are closing one of our studios, The Initiative,” Booty said. “These decisions, along with other changes across our teams, reflect a broader effort to adjust priorities and focus resources to set up our teams for greater success within a changing industry landscape. We did not make these choices lightly, as each project and team represent years of effort, imagination, and commitment.”
Microsoft has not responded to any request for comment on the layoffs, game cancellations, or studio closures. Should any response be received, it will be added to this story and others.
To talk about Perfect Dark’s cancellation, the layoffs and what’s been happening across Xbox and the game’s industry, join the discussion at the official Insider Gaming forums.
For more Insider Gaming, read about how many people Microsoft is expected to let go in this latest wave of layoffs and what Xbox’s Phil Spencer had to say to his staff about the job cuts. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Insider Gaming newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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