Cancelled Xbox Game Studios title sees concept art leak online

The Perfect Dark reboot joined a grim roster of canceled projects, including Rare’s Everwild and Avalanche Studios’ co-op title Contraband in the aftermath of Microsoft’s layoffs in July 2025. New leaks have surfaced via a former developer, dating back to April 2024, offering gamers a glimpse into what Perfect Dark’s reboot might have been.

Reported by MP1st, the former developer shared screenshots of concept art, intending to bridge a “notable gap in the market due to the absence of major espionage franchises like Metal Gear Solid and 007,” two IPs that were dormant during Perfect Dark reboot’s development, but now back in the spotlight with the release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and the upcoming 007: First Light.

The game reportedly drew inspiration from HBO’s Westworld and reimagined Joanna Dark for new gamers, while preserving the core stealth-action from the 2000 N64 title.

Development of Perfect Dark’s remake seemed solid right up to the project’s cancellation, as developer The Initiative was actively polishing Vertical Slice 1, a playable proof-of-concept that aimed to encompass the final game’s quality and pacing. 

The internal documents labeled this as Season 1, backing up earlier rumors of the game being released with an episodic structure.

Gameplay was supposed to consist of a few systems, such as the Relentless System, the Reward System, and the Adrenaline System, which would have allowed players to heal, increase outgoing damage, mitigate incoming damage, and allow players to tap into bullet-time sequences.

One leaked concept piece showed Joanna Dark in a more fleshed-out state, supposedly tied to the Adrenaline System, affecting her appearance in addition to giving her special abilities.

In addition to the gameplay systems, the leaked artwork featured locales from Season 1, which featured a futuristic Cairo consisting of futuristic skyscrapers and hydroponic megastructures, with the Pyramids of Giza in the backdrop.

Bloomberg has previously reported that Take-Two Interactive had been in talks with Microsoft and Embracer Group to co-finance and publish the game, in an attempt to salvage the game’s cancellation during the company-wide restructure.

Unfortunately, Perfect Dark’s remake has now been shelved alongside many other Microsoft-owned IPs like Banjo-Kazooie and Fable.