The reboot of Perfect Dark developed by The Initiative has been cancelled as part of the latest round of cuts at Microsoft, as well as a new MMORPG project from Elder Scrolls Online maker Zenimax Online Studios.
Earlier today, we reported another round of layoffs across Microsoft, which included job losses at King and Zenimax. Rare’s Everwild has also reportedly been cancelled.
Eurogamer now understands Perfect Dark is also among the cuts, confirmed by Bloomberg Journalist Jason Schreier. In addition Bloomberg has reported the MMORPG – code-named Blackbird and in development since 2018 – has additionally been cancelled. Microsoft is yet to officially comment.
The reboot of Rare’s series was first announced back in December 2020, and has been in development at new Xbox Game Studios developer The Initiative. After numerous setbacks, Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics was brought in to assist.
“How we make games is evolving,” said Microsoft Studios’ Matt Booty back in 2022. “The idea of a single team under one roof really doesn’t happen that often anymore.”
In May 2024, reports suggested “little meaningful progress” had been made since the game’s unveiling and the reboot was in “a very rough state”.
However, a first gameplay trailer for Perfect Dark was then shown in June 2024 at the Xbox Games Showcase. It showed protagonist Joanna Dark stealthily exploring a near-future Cairo in first-person, with plenty of parkour and spy gadgets.
No release window was given for the game and, now, it appears development troubles have continued, leading to its cancellation.
The original Perfect Dark was released on the N64 by Rare as a spiritual successor to its successful GoldenEye game. A second game, Perfect Dark Zero, was released on the Xbox 360 after Microsoft acquired the developer.