Xbox Executive Departs After Perfect Dark Reboot Canceled

Darrell Gallagher is leaving Xbox. The Initiative studio head announced his departure on LinkedIn. His exit follows the cancellation of the Perfect Dark reboot.

Gallagher expressed pride in his team’s work on the project. Microsoft officially canceled the game over two months ago. The closure marks the end of a seven-and-a-half-year effort.

Project Wind-Down Follows Failed Rescue Attempt

The cancellation was confirmed internally some time ago. Gallagher’s announcement makes the studio’s closure public. Reports from Bloomberg indicate a final effort was made to save the game.

Microsoft reportedly attempted to sell the game rights to Take-Two Interactive. The two companies could not reach a final agreement. Disagreements centered on the long-term ownership of the Perfect Dark intellectual property.

Gallagher’s Legacy and Industry Impact

Gallagher has an extensive history in game development. He previously led Crystal Dynamics, overseeing the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy. His expertise made him a natural choice to helm the Perfect Dark revival.

His career also includes roles at Activision, Rockstar, and Sony. He is credited on major titles like Sekiro and the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. The Initiative’s closure represents a significant shift in Microsoft’s first-party strategy.

The cancellation of the Perfect Dark reboot is a major event for the gaming industry. It highlights the challenges of reviving beloved franchises. The future of the Perfect Dark IP now remains uncertain.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was the Perfect Dark reboot cancelled?

Microsoft made an internal decision to cancel the project. Specific reasons were not publicly disclosed. The cancellation occurred over two months before the public announcement.

Who is Darrell Gallagher?

He was the head of The Initiative studio at Xbox. Gallagher is a veteran developer known for leading the Tomb Raider reboot at Crystal Dynamics. His career includes work on major franchises for multiple publishers.

Was there really a deal with Take-Two?

According to Bloomberg, Microsoft tried to sell the game rights to Take-Two. The negotiations ultimately fell through. The companies disagreed on who would retain long-term ownership of the Perfect Dark brand.

How long was the game in development?

The Initiative studio was formed about seven and a half years ago. Development on the Perfect Dark reboot began after the studio’s formation. The project was officially announced to the public in 2020.

What happens to The Initiative team now?

With the project and studio wound down, the team’s future is unclear. Developers will likely seek new positions elsewhere in the industry. Microsoft has not announced plans to reassign the team to other projects.