Microsoft interrupts development of “form Dark” and “Everwind”

Periskopi

4 July 2025, 09:41(a year ago)

The Xbox studio, The Initiative, is in the closing phase following Microsoft's decision to cut off the development of video games “Perfect” and “Everwild”. This is part of a wave of cuts involving the technological giant, affecting about 4% of the global labour force. Xbox chief Game Studios, Matt Boot, said [...]

Xbox chief Game Studios, Matt Boot, said that in addition to closing The Initiative, several other unrepresented projects have been cancelled. We've decided to stop the development of video games, "Perfect Dark" and "Everwindle"... and, as part of this, we're closing the Initiative Study,” he declared.

“Perfect Dark” was the first project of The Initiative studios and was being developed in co-operation with Crystal Dunamics. The game was presented with gammaplay in 2024, but it will not see the light of publication.

Meanwhile, video game “Everwild” from Rare, which was introduced in 2019 and took a back-up in 2021, has been cancelled.

In addition, other studios like Raven (standing behind “Call of Duty”) and Turn 10 (“Forza Motorsport”) are affected by downloads, with the latter being able to lose up to 50% of staff. The situation is considered one of the biggest hits for the game sector within Microsoft. /Periscope/