Los Angeles, California – After Microsoft announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated reboot of “Perfect Dark,” voices from the gaming community are calling for its revival. Alix Wilton Regan, known for her role as Joanna Dark, expressed her disappointment and urged fans to rally behind the game.
The announcement on Wednesday came amid a wave of layoffs at Microsoft, where several game projects, including the Perfect Dark sequel, a new MMORPG from Zenimax, and Rare’s “Everwild” faced termination. The layoffs also included the closure of The Initiative, the studio responsible for developing Perfect Dark.
In response to the news, Regan shared an image of her character on social media, emphasizing qualities like resilience and strength. She reflected on her experience with The Initiative, stating it was an honor to be part of the project. “Agent Dark doesn’t give up, and neither should any of you,” she posted, encouraging fans to advocate for the game’s future. Regan concluded her message with a hopeful note, wishing for a collaborative effort to revive Perfect Dark.
Elias Toufexis, best known for his role as Adam Jensen in the “Deus Ex” series, also weighed in on the situation. He expressed regret over the financial implications of the project’s cancellation, as he had invested significant time in the development of Perfect Dark. In his own social media commentary, he acknowledged the stress that layoffs and cancellations bring to those in the gaming industry. “Now every game I do as director or actor, I wake up hoping it isn’t canceled,” he lamented.
Toufexis pointed out that while he is compensated for his work, the uncertainty of canceled projects hangs in the air. He explained that the scheduling process often involves “holds” for potential work, leading to a sense of anxiety regarding lost earnings.
This week’s layoffs at Microsoft affected multiple teams, including those at King and Raven Software. This move follows a pattern; reports suggest Microsoft has undergone significant restructuring within its game division recently. Just a few months ago, Xbox reduced its workforce by 3%, marking one of the largest cuts in 2023. Prior to that, in September 2022, the company laid off approximately 650 employees amidst a push for long-term organizational success.
The news of these cancellations and layoffs raises questions about the future of game development at Microsoft and the well-being of those involved in the industry. The reactions from both Regan and Toufexis highlight a growing concern among creators as they navigate an unstable environment. Fans and industry insiders alike remain hopeful that their voices can influence the future of beloved franchises like “Perfect Dark.”