The future of Perfect Dark is uncertain following recent layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, but one of the game’s lead actresses is calling on fans to speak up and help keep the franchise alive.
Alix Wilton Regan, who voices protagonist Joanna Dark, took to social media this week urging fans to show their support for the series. In her post, she said, “Speak up if you wanna see Perfect Dark survive,” encouraging fans to use the hashtag #PerfectPickUp to push for the game’s revival.
The message comes after major cuts across Microsoft’s gaming division, which affected thousands of employees and led to the shutdown of several projects and studios. Although Microsoft has not officially confirmed that Perfect Dark is canceled, the studio behind it, The Initiative, has reportedly been downsized, putting the game’s future in serious doubt.
Perfect Dark was one of Xbox’s most anticipated reboots. Originally announced in 2020, the game reimagined the classic spy thriller with a modern setting and gameplay inspired by stealth, parkour, and science fiction. It made a splash during its gameplay reveal at the Xbox Showcase in 2024, giving fans a first glimpse at its near-future Cairo setting and ecological themes. But despite the positive reception, development had reportedly been rocky, with frequent staff turnover and delays.
The latest round of layoffs appears to have delivered a major blow to the project. Reports suggest that much of the team at The Initiative has been let go or reassigned, and co-developer Crystal Dynamics may also be pulling back from the title. This has raised concerns among fans and developers alike, with some industry insiders claiming the game was already struggling internally.
Alix Wilton Regan’s call to action echoes recent fan-led efforts to revive canceled or troubled games. Earlier this year, Tango Gameworks’ Hi-Fi Rush was given a second chance after its studio was closed, thanks in part to vocal fan support. Regan seems to be hoping for a similar outcome, believing that strong community interest could convince Xbox or another publisher to bring Perfect Dark back.
Some voice actors involved in the game have expressed disappointment over the situation, revealing they lost significant work due to the sudden halt. The uncertainty has sparked conversations about the volatility of big-budget game development and Microsoft’s shifting priorities, particularly as the company focuses more heavily on its subscription services like Game Pass.
For now, Perfect Dark remains in limbo, but the actress behind its main character is making it clear: if fans want the game to survive, now is the time to make their voices heard
*UPDATE: Perfect Dark has been canceled, but Regan is still hopeful it might return if enough fans speak up.
Good luck with it!