Earlier today, Darrell Gallagher, Studio Head of The Initiative, shared via LinkedIn his decision to depart Xbox. He highlighted the team’s dedication to revitalizing the Perfect Dark series despite Microsoft ultimately discontinuing development.

Following an extraordinary chapter, my tenure at Xbox concludes with the closure of the Perfect Dark project and The Initiative studio. The team’s creativity and commitment to redefining this legendary IP were unmatched. We aimed to deliver a fresh vision, investing relentless effort and innovation into every aspect. The enthusiasm from fans fueled our drive and left an indelible mark on all involved.

Though the initiative ended prematurely, the talent and groundbreaking work will resonate beyond its lifespan. I’m thankful to Xbox for the opportunity, to collaborators for their trust, and to players for championing our ambition. My pride in our achievements remains unwavering, and I eagerly anticipate future endeavors—for both myself and the exceptional developers I’ve been privileged to guide.

While Microsoft halted development over two months prior, Gallagher’s announcement follows recent reports by Jason Schreier indicating a failed negotiation with Take-Two Interactive to acquire the franchise. Discussions stalled due to disagreements over long-term intellectual property ownership between the companies.

Gallagher led The Initiative for nearly eight years, preceded by roles at Sony, Rockstar, THQ, and Crystal Dynamics—where he directed the Tomb Raider reboot series. His two-year stint at Activision as SVP included oversight of titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the Call of Duty franchise, Destiny 2, and Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy, cementing his expertise in revitalizing iconic properties.