Microsoft Cancels Perfect Dark, Everwild, and Unannounced MMORPG

Microsoft has reportedly shut down The Initiative, the studio tasked with reviving the spy-thriller AAA shooter Perfect Dark. The reboot of Rare's cult classic 2000 game has now been cancelled.

The Initiative was founded in 2018 specifically to develop Perfect Dark. In its seven years of existence, the studio failed to bring the project to release. The game's debut trailer was showcased in 2020.

Perfect Dark isn't the only Microsoft game to get the axe. The company has also reportedly ceased development of Everwild, the visually stunning adventure action game from Rare, which had been in development for over a decade. Also cancelled is an unannounced MMORPG (codenamed Blackbird) from Zenimax Online Studios, best known for The Elder Scrolls Online.

In addition, Microsoft has reportedly laid off some employees at Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Turn 10 Studios, Undead Labs, MachineGames, and High Moon Studios.

Furthermore, insider TheGhostOfHope is reporting that Phil Spencer will step down as head of Microsoft Gaming in the next Xbox generation.