Perfect Dark Cancelled, The Initiative Shut Down And Xbox No Longer Working With Crystal Dynamics

Perfect Dark has been cancelled 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.

When reached out for comment on Perfect Dark and the two studios, Microsoft did not respond.

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.