Xbox's scrapped reboot of Perfect Dark was almost resurrected by Take-Two, but negotiations faltered, resulting in job losses at Crystal Dynamics
In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has announced the cancellation of Perfect Dark, a highly-anticipated revival of Rare's first-person shooter franchise. The game, which was first announced in 2020 with a CGI teaser trailer, had been in development by The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics.
The cancellation came following a series of setbacks, including high staff turnover, unclear creative direction, repeated restarts, and cuts to features within the development process. Negotiations between Microsoft and potential publisher Take-Two Interactive for the acquisition and continuation of the project ultimately failed, leaving its future uncertain.
The gameplay trailer, shown during the Xbox Games Showcase in 2024, offered a glimpse into the high-tech, futuristic version of Cairo where agent Joanna Dark was in pursuit of a target. The gameplay seemed to echo the level design and use of the environment found in immersive sims, with stealth-oriented weapons and spy-style melee takedowns.
Despite the cancellation, Perfect Dark was not spun out like Toys for Bob. Instead, the layoffs at The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics, including more than 80 staff members, were a direct consequence. As a result, Crystal Dynamics had its second round of layoffs this year.
Meanwhile, Rod Fergusson, who was overseeing the studio, has moved on to oversee the next BioShock game, which has been delayed from its prior internal release window.
In a sad turn of events, Perfect Dark was the most-anticipated game from Xbox for many, including this writer. The project's cancellation is a blow to fans of the franchise, who had been eagerly awaiting its return.
On a brighter note, Take-Two Interactive continues to allow Ken Levine and Ghost Story Games to work on Judas, a game with no release date as yet. A recent update on Judas shared new key art and more information about the game systems. Tango Gameworks, which was revived and sold to Krafton, is currently working on an unannounced action game that is likely Hi-Fi Rush 2.
As we bid farewell to Perfect Dark, we look forward to what the future holds for these exciting projects. Until then, RIP (again), Perfect Dark.
