Perfect Dark Reboot Canceled, Actors Voice Disappointment

Microsoft’s wave of dismissals and project cancellations has left a bitter taste, particularly among those involved in the now-canceled reboot of Perfect Dark. The game, a first-person shooter originally conceived by Rare, was being developed by The Initiative, a Microsoft studio that has since been shut down.

Actor Laments Financial Impact

News of the project’s cancellation resonated strongly with its creators. Elias Toufexis, known for his role as Adam Jensen in the Deus Ex series, expressed his frustration in a social media post, emphasizing the financial and professional repercussions of Microsoft’s decision. The actor stated:

“Cancellation of games is a constant threat. I have a lot of working days behind me Perfect Dark which have just been canceled. Thousands of dollars I was counting on were lost in the blink of an eye… now with every game in which I act as a director or actor, I wake up with the hope that he will not be canceled.”

—Elias Toufexis, Actor

He clarified that while he has been compensated for his completed work, the cancellation affects his schedule and other professional commitments. Notably, game development is facing increasing volatility, with nearly 900 game industry layoffs occurring in April 2024 alone (IGN).

Voice Actress Appeals to Fans

In contrast, Alix Wilton Regan, the voice actress for protagonist Joanna Dark, urged the community to actively support the project. She posted:

Many people contacted me and reported this idea on my timeline, phone and news, so I will just say it:
I hope we live in a good world
#Perfectdark #perfectpickuP Take a voice if you want to be Perfect Dark survived

—Alix Wilton Regan

Earlier, Regan shared graphics of her character, describing her as “persistent, determined, creative, caring and strong,” and added that working at The Initiative was an honor, stating:

“Agent Dark does not give up and none of you should. […] Like Joanna, we will all be created again.”

—Alix Wilton Regan

Perfect Dark is among several projects impacted by Microsoft’s recent decisions. Other casualties include Everwild from Rare Studio, a mysterious project by Romero Games, and an unannounced MMORPG from Zenimax Online studio.