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Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reports that the Perfect Dark remake was nearly saved before a deal between Microsoft and Take-Two collapsed. This led to recent layoffs at developer Crystal Dynamics.
Following the cancellation of Perfect Dark in early July alongside The Initiative’s closure, key personnel from both companies attempted to secure funding from another publisher. Take-Two showed interest but ultimately failed to reach an agreement with Microsoft over the game’s long-term IP ownership. As a result, the project remains with Microsoft and is unlikely to see completion.
Originally announced at The Game Awards 2020, the Perfect Dark remake was to be developed by Crystal Dynamics after The Initiative could not manage it alone. In September 2021, Microsoft confirmed that Crystal Dynamics would partner on this project, leveraging their experience with reboots and Darrell Gallagher’s extensive history at Crystal Dynamics.
In a gameplay trailer released during the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, fans saw a tactical first-person shooter influenced by stealth games and immersive sims. The trailer promised parkour-like movement and deep environmental interaction. The story centered on Joanna Dark uncovering a conspiracy orchestrated by megacorporations following major ecological crises. Joanna’s likeness was based on real-life model Elissa Bibaud, with her performance captured by Alix Wilton Regan.
Despite these promising developments, the project remains on hold due to the failed deal.
