Summary

  • Insider NateTheHate disputes rough Perfect Dark development claims, predicts possible showcase appearance at Xbox's June event.
  • The Initiative's modern revival of Perfect Dark has faced turbulence, but it's possible fans will get a new trailer at the showcase.
  • Despite recent negative rumors surrounding Xbox, the upcoming June Showcase may unveil exciting first-party titles and a new look at Perfect Dark.

A notable insider has claimed that the long-awaited Xbox first-party title Perfect Dark may be featured in the platform holder's upcoming June Showcase. This development contradicts the recent rumors of Perfect Dark's development being in a "rough" state.

Developed by newly-created Xbox studio The Initiative, Perfect Dark was first revealed at the 2020 Game Awards as a modern revival of the Rare-created IP. Although the CGI trailer didn't reveal much about the game beyond the plot revolving around an ecological disaster, The Initiative's veteran developers from studios like BioWare, Sony Santa Monica, and Respawn, instilled hope among fans for a high-caliber game. Unfortunately, the studio went through a great deal of turbulence in subsequent years as it faced rampant staff departures (including key creative roles) and had to bring aboard Crystal Dynamics to assist with Perfect Dark's development. The game hasn't been seen since 2020, leaving many worried about its future.

Recently, insider Jeff Grubb and several others reported on the state of Perfect Dark's development, claiming that it's in a "very rough" position and that bringing Crystal Dynamics onboard barely moved the needle. However, credible insider NateTheHate has refuted the claims in the latest episode of the DirectXbox podcast on YouTube. They assert that Perfect Dark's development is not as bad as it's made out to be, with the recent reports potentially being "outdated information."

Perfect Dark Could be Part of Xbox's June Showcase

Moreover, the leaker also "fully" expects Perfect Dark to be shown during the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 9. Considering NateTheHate's generally accurate track record and the fact that both Crystal Dynamics and The Initiative have been working on Perfect Dark for years, it's plausible that a new trailer for the game could be ready in time for the showcase. However, it's ultimately a rumor, so the only way Perfect Dark fans can find out more about the game is by tuning in on June 9.

After Xbox announced the closure of four Bethesda studios, the brand has seen a fairly rough week. Amid the rumors of Xbox Game Pass seeing a price hike, internal debates on whether new Call of Duty titles will launch on the service, Hellblade 2 being considered for a PS5 release, and Perfect Dark's potentially troubled development, the general outlook on the platform holder has been mostly negative. However, the June Showcase might be the ace up Xbox's sleeve, possibly revealing massive new first-party titles and, if NateTheHate is to be believed, a new look at Perfect Dark.

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Perfect Dark N64 Tag Page Cover Art
Perfect Dark (2000)
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First-Person Shooter
Stealth
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Released
May 22, 2000
ESRB
Mature 17+ / Animated Violence, Animated Blood
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Step into the Dark...

As Carrington Institute's most promising new Agent, Joanna Dark must uncover the truth behind the dataDyne Corporation's recent technological breakthroughs - breakthroughs which could have serious consequences for mankind.

• Over 40 advanced weapons! Shoot through walls, guide rockets by remote and cloak yourself to slip by unnoticed.
• Highly intelligent Simulants! Command computer-controlled teammates to Attack, Follow, Protect and more!
• Innovative Counter-Op mode! Play as Joanna, while a friend takes control of various enemies.

Developer(s)
Rare
Publisher(s)
Rare
Franchise
Perfect Dark
Platform(s)
Nintendo 64
Genre(s)
First-Person Shooter, Stealth