Since its first formalization in 2020, Perfect Dark has never shown any gameplay. And while we’ve seen an exodus of developers, all is well for Xbox, which has been speaking out on the matter.
The Initiative announced a Perfect Dark reboot in 2020. A CGI teaser that was not followed by a gameplay video. From then on, players worried and reputable sources offered no reassurance. Microsoft opts for a different narrative.
Perfect Dark: Problems? Which problems?
The latest news from Perfect Dark has been far from encouraging. But before we get to that, Microsoft Studios boss Matt Botty has given his version. He wanted to insist that the arrival of Crystal Dynamics (Tomb Raider) as a reinforcement was not a sign of rapid development.
The way games are created is changing. The idea of a single team under one roof is no longer relevant. We just got this big partnership with Crystal Dynamics and I read on the internet that meant there was a problem. But on the contrary.
You have these veterans at Crystal Dynamics, a large team with over a hundred people working on AAAs and becoming available. Of course we want to work with them, especially if they’ve made a game like this before.
Matt Booty, Head of Microsoft Studios, via PAX West Twitch etc Eurogamer
Basically yes, with the size of today’s games it makes sense for several companies to join forces. Nevertheless, the facts and the rumors of the hallway hide here.
The initiative has lost half of its developers
Since its inception in 2018, The Initiative has seen its payroll melt like snow in the sun. According to the VGC, in March 2022 the studio will only offer space for around 50 people. Including Drew Murray, who quickly returned to Insomniac Games, or the game director Dan Neuburger, who left.
Internal control would have been more than cumbersome and the people interviewed by VGC highlighted these structural problems. The latter also blames Xbox management for doing nothing or not doing enough. On top of that, we haven’t seen any part of the gameplay, so players are asking questions.
If Crystal Dynamics help safely reboots the machine, this may affect the release date. It wouldn’t be for the time being because the game could be completely restarted.
