Category: Gaming

  • Free Playtest: Hardcore Zombie Shooter Now on Steam

    Free Playtest: Hardcore Zombie Shooter Now on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: The Midnight Walkers is a dark PvPvE shooter set in a zombie-overrun world, developed by Oneway Ticket Studio, launching in late 2025.

    2. Gameplay Mechanics: It features gameplay similar to Escape from Tarkov, with a focus on survival, hunting for supplies, and facing environmental dangers and boss foes.

    3. Combat Options: Players can engage in both melee and ranged combat, utilizing weapons like katanas and revolvers, and can customize their loadouts with a crafting system.

    4. Global Playtest: A global playtest is currently live in multiple regions, running for 72 hours, with performance optimization still in progress and feedback collected via Discord.

    5. Community Engagement: The developers are hosting a livestream on Twitch and have a partner program for content creators, with sign-ups available on the game’s Steam page.


    The Midnight Walkers is set to hit the market later this year as a dark PvPvE shooter in a world overrun with zombies. This game is the first release from Oneway Ticket Studio, a South Korean group that started in 2023. It emphasizes intense survival experiences driven by players. The launch is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025, but the exact price has not been revealed yet.

    Gameplay Features

    In terms of gameplay, The Midnight Walkers takes significant cues from Escape from Tarkov, though with its unique twist involving zombies. The game elevates the genre by introducing deadly environmental dangers and formidable boss foes. Players will need to hunt for weapons, armor, and other supplies, all while facing the constant risk of losing it all with just one misstep. Combat offers both melee and ranged choices, featuring gear that includes katanas and revolvers. A crafting system and marketplace further enable players to create and upgrade their loadouts to their liking.

    Playtest Updates

    After a shift in release from June 27 to July 4, 2025, the global playtest for The Midnight Walkers is currently underway. Servers are live in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with the game accessible in several languages including English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. The developers mention that they are still working on optimizing performance. The playtest is scheduled to last for 72 hours, and feedback will be gathered through the official Discord server. A livestream by the developers is ongoing on Twitch, and there’s a partner program available for content creators. Players can sign up directly through the game’s page on Steam.

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  • Play Sci-Fi MMO for Free: Your Guide to a Trip to the Stars

    Play Sci-Fi MMO for Free: Your Guide to a Trip to the Stars

    Key Takeaways

    1. Star Citizen offers a vast online universe where players can explore, battle, trade, and discover planets at their own pace.
    2. The game has been in alpha since 2017, funded by crowdfunding and in-game purchases, with some ships costing several hundred euros.
    3. A Free Fly event runs from July 2 to 14, 2025, allowing players to access the game and a variety of ships for free.
    4. Experienced players serve as in-game guides during the Free Fly event, helping newcomers with advice and strategies.
    5. To participate in the event, players must register on the official Cloud Imperium Games website.


    In the universe of Star Citizen, gamers become daring explorers journeying through an expansive and ongoing cosmos. This sci-fi experience combines space travel, ground battles, trade, missions, and the discovery of planets into one fluid adventure. You can take on the role of a pirate, trader, or explorer – the choice of how to engage is entirely yours.

    A Living Universe

    The game features a fully online universe, driven by a vibrant economy, engaging space stations, and a mix of PvE and PvP scenarios. Since its inception in 2017, Star Citizen has been in alpha status and is supported by crowdfunding and numerous in-game purchases. Some virtual ships can be priced at several hundred euros.

    Free Fly Event Details

    The most budget-friendly starter package for Star Citizen usually costs about $45 and comes with the Aurora MR spacecraft. However, during the ongoing Free Fly event from July 2 to 14, 2025, players can enjoy the game for free, gaining access to a rotating array of ships.

    The standout feature of this Free Fly event is the in-game guide system, where seasoned players assist newcomers in getting started. These helpful guides support new pilots in their initial experiences, sharing advice on controls, missions, and survival strategies. As a reward for their efforts, they can receive unique in-game prizes.

    How to Participate

    To take part in the event, all you need to do is register on the official Cloud Imperium Games website. The community notes that the Free Fly event started on July 2 and is anticipated to last until July 14; however, an official announcement regarding the end date has yet to be released.

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  • Xbox Game Pass: 3 New Games in July’s 2nd Week, Including Remaster

    Xbox Game Pass: 3 New Games in July’s 2nd Week, Including Remaster

    Key Takeaways

    1. Exciting New Titles: Three new games are coming to Game Pass in July, including the remastered Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4.

    2. The Ascent Gameplay: A twin-stick shooter set in a cyberpunk world, where players navigate chaos after the collapse of a powerful corporation, featuring RPG elements and online co-op.

    3. Minami Lane Experience: A life simulation game that focuses on building and managing a charming Japanese street, emphasizing community and simplicity in gameplay.

    4. Simplicity in Minami Lane: The game encourages gradual development and player engagement without complex mechanics, making it a relaxing experience.

    5. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Features: The remastered games include improved controls, graphics, and new features like a rewind option and cross-play, available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.


    The second week of July is set to introduce three exciting titles to Game Pass. The highlight is probably the remastered version of the classic skateboarding games Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 from the 2000s. Here’s a brief overview of what’s on the way:

    The Ascent Overview

    The Ascent combines action RPG features with twin-stick shooter gameplay, immersing players in the vibrant, neon-filled world of Veles – a cyberpunk city with multiple levels, dominated by strong corporations. You take on the role of an indent, a worker linked to the powerful Ascent Corporation. When this mega-corp unexpectedly collapses, chaos takes over. In the midst of this disorder, you must rise from insignificance, discover the truth behind the downfall, and strive to survive.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    As a twin-stick shooter, The Ascent allows players to navigate with one stick while aiming with the other, mixing fast-paced action with intricate RPG mechanics. You have the ability to level up, unlock various skills, and personalize your arsenal with an array of weapons and gear. Cybernetic enhancements boost your skills, while diverse enemy types and a cover system keep battles interesting. You can choose to play alone or join up to three friends in seamless online co-op, coordinating your strategies and firepower as you fight through Veles. The vast open world also offers exploration, side quests, and black market trading to further develop your character.

    Minami Lane Experience

    Minami Lane is a delightful mix of building and life simulation that transports players to a lively Japanese side street, adorned with cherry blossoms, quaint shops, and friendly locals. As the manager of the lane, your aim is to help the area thrive. You can establish tea shops, ramen stalls, cat cafés, and apartment complexes, while modifying decorations, prices, and operating hours. The emphasis is not on numbers or efficiency, but on fostering a warm, inviting environment and ensuring your neighbors are content.

    Simplicity in Gameplay

    The gameplay resembles classic city builders but remains intentionally straightforward and easy to grasp. Players develop the street gradually, observing how the behavior and happiness of residents change over time. Each new building introduces fresh opportunities for attracting visitors or generating revenue. Minami Lane is ideal for anyone looking to relax with a comforting cup of tea and engage in some gentle urban design.

    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Revival

    With Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, two of the most cherished skateboarding games ever are back – remastered, polished, and poised for a new wave of tricks. Fans who poured hours into executing kickflips in airports or perfecting manuals across college campuses can celebrate: the original levels from both games are returning, along with iconic skaters, unforgettable soundtracks, and the signature moves that shaped an era.

    Enhanced Features

    The remaster builds on the triumph of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, providing more precise controls and significantly enhanced graphics. New additions include quality-of-life improvements like a rewind feature, Free Skate checkpoints, cross-play compatibility, and a more sophisticated park editor. Best of all, players can access the game on Xbox Game Pass from day one.

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  • OneXPlayer Unveils OneXGPU Lite: Compact Thunderbolt 5 eGPU

    OneXPlayer Unveils OneXGPU Lite: Compact Thunderbolt 5 eGPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. One-Netbook announced the OneXGPU Lite, a compact external graphics card (eGPU) for its OneXPlayer line.
    2. The OneXGPU Lite features the AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, with 32 Compute Units and 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM.
    3. It has a more compact design than the original OneXGPU, with boxier dimensions and an RGB light matrix.
    4. The new model replaces USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 with Thunderbolt 5 for improved performance.
    5. Pricing and availability details for the OneXGPU Lite have not yet been disclosed.


    One-Netbook has shared a sneak peek of its new external graphics card (eGPU) from its OneXPlayer line on Chinese social media. This announcement coincides with the launch of the OneXPlayer X1 Air. The newly introduced OneXGPU Lite seems to be a more compact version of the original OneXGPU that debuted in late 2023, rather than the latest OneXGPU 2, which currently retails for $999.99 on Amazon.

    Specifications and Features

    The OneXGPU Lite keeps the AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT, which is also found in the original OneXGPU and other similar eGPUs. Built on AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, the Radeon RX 7600M XT boasts 32 Compute Units (CUs), 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and typically consumes between 75 W to 120 W of power (TGP).

    Design and Dimensions

    In terms of size, the OneXGPU Lite appears to be more compact compared to the OneXGPU, which has dimensions of 196 x 120 x 32 mm and weighs 869 g. As seen in the video below, the OneXGPU Lite has a boxier design than both the OneXGPU and OneXGPU 2 but still features a recognizable RGB light matrix.

    Connectivity Changes

    One-Netbook has replaced USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 with Thunderbolt 5 in this model. While the OneXGPU Lite will still support the older standards, Thunderbolt 5 is expected to provide better performance compared to traditional USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 eGPUs. Unfortunately, details regarding pricing and availability are still not disclosed at this moment.

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  • Nintendo President defends Switch 2 pricing and offers options for kids

    Nintendo President defends Switch 2 pricing and offers options for kids

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo’s Switch 2 may lose its price advantage compared to Sony and Microsoft consoles, raising concerns among gamers.
    2. President Shuntaro Furukawa emphasized the importance of affordability and attracting younger audiences through various interactions outside gaming.
    3. The Switch 2’s enhanced specifications allow for higher-quality games, appealing to mainstream gamers but potentially limiting access for younger players.
    4. Nintendo’s presence extends beyond consoles, with free mobile games, theme parks, and film projects, broadening their reach and engagement.
    5. The original Switch will continue to receive support, with upcoming games compatible with both generations, while backward compatibility allows access to a larger game library.


    Past consoles from Nintendo have typically been cheaper compared to what Sony or Microsoft offer. However, after the announcement of the Switch 2 price, some gamers became concerned that this advantage might be gone. In a recent call with investors, Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, spoke about the issue of affordability. He highlighted the importance of attracting younger gamers and mentioned alternative ways for them to connect with the Nintendo universe.

    Enhanced Specs and Accessibility

    With upgraded specifications, the Switch 2 can run more high-quality games with impressive visuals. This makes it more appealing to mainstream gamers, but only if they have enough money to spend. For younger audiences, Furukawa noted, “We are creating a variety of chances outside of our gaming systems for young kids to interact with Nintendo characters and game worlds, with one of our main aims being that they will eventually play on our gaming consoles.”

    Nintendo’s Broader Presence

    Nintendo characters aren’t limited to just the Switch consoles. There are free mobile games like Mario Kart Tour, which are much easier to access than Mario Kart World, which can cost up to $80. The company has also launched theme parks and museums. Additionally, Nintendo is getting involved in the film industry, with the Super Mario Bros. sequel set to release in April 2026.

    Ongoing Support and Compatibility

    During the Q&A session with investors, Furukawa reminded everyone that Nintendo still supports the original Switch. Both Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released on both generations of consoles in 2025.

    Many gamers view the increasing prices of some Switch 2 games as a hurdle to upgrading. Nonetheless, the backward compatibility of the handheld lets players access a wider selection of games. Older titles, like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, even come with a free upgrade patch to utilize the improved Switch 2 specifications.

    Despite other options available, it’s the games for Switch 2 and the new console itself that are highly sought after by gamers of all ages. So far, the higher price of the Switch 2 hasn’t hindered its sales, which are moving at a rapid pace.

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  • Xbox Exec’s AI Job Tips Spark Backlash After Industry Layoffs

    Xbox Exec’s AI Job Tips Spark Backlash After Industry Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft laid off 4% of its employees, totaling around 9,000 individuals.
    2. An Xbox Game Studios executive faced backlash for suggesting laid-off workers use AI tools for emotional support and job searching.
    3. The advice included using AI as a “career coach” to help with job applications and overcoming impostor syndrome.
    4. The gaming community criticized the advice as insensitive, especially given the context of layoffs linked to Microsoft’s AI investments.
    5. The layoffs impacted at least 13 game studios and resulted in the cancellation of three games, significantly affecting the industry.


    Microsoft has recently revealed that it has laid off 4% of its employees, which totals around 9,000 individuals. In the midst of this upheaval, an executive producer from Xbox Game Studios found himself facing backlash after sharing advice for those affected by the layoffs on LinkedIn, and understandably so.

    Insensitive Advice

    His suggestion to utilize AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to cope with the emotional impact of job loss and prepare for future employment was not well-received by his former colleagues and others. Many viewed the advice as lacking sensitivity towards the situation.

    In a post that has since been deleted from LinkedIn, but was shared on Bluesky by Brandon Sheffield, Matt Turnbull encouraged employees to leverage AI tools to “lessen the emotional and cognitive burden that comes with losing a job.” He added:

    “These are tough times, and if you’re facing a layoff or even getting ready for one, you’re not on your own and you don’t have to face it alone.”

    AI as a Career Coach

    Turnbull proposed the idea of using AI as a “career coach” to assist in “forming a 30-day strategy to regroup, research new job opportunities, and start applying without feeling burnt out.” He went further to suggest using AI for tailoring resumes for various job openings, drafting new “About Me” sections, and contacting potential employers.

    He implied that the ex-employees might be dealing with impostor syndrome and shared a prompt that ignited outrage within the gaming sector and among laid-off employees:

    “I’m feeling impostor syndrome after being let go. Can you assist me in reframing this experience to remind me of my strengths?”

    Backlash from the Community

    This post faced fierce criticism from the gaming community and previous Microsoft employees. Eric Smith, a former producer at ZeniMax Online whose project was scrapped, responded bluntly, saying, “Read the room dude.”

    Numerous individuals noted that Turnbull’s comments were tone-deaf, particularly in light of Microsoft’s aggressive investment in AI—speculated to be a contributing factor to the layoffs. The company is set to invest nearly $80 billion on AI infrastructure in 2025 alone.

    The repercussions of these significant layoffs are ongoing, with at least 13 game studios being impacted, along with the cancellation of three games. Turn 10 Studios, for instance, saw 70 team members let go, which represents half of its staff. Meanwhile, ZeniMax Online’s recent MMORPG was canceled after almost seven years of development, coinciding with the departure of its studio founder, Matt Firor.

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  • RTX 5070: Best-Selling GPU on Amazon with 70% Market Share

    RTX 5070: Best-Selling GPU on Amazon with 70% Market Share

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 50 series graphics cards have entered the Steam Hardware Survey, dominating Amazon sales charts despite the RTX 40 and RTX 30 series still leading in overall usage.
    2. The top-selling GPUs are the RTX 5070 (5,450 units), RTX 5060 Ti (4,950 units), and RTX 5070 Ti (4,400 units), giving Nvidia a 70.51% unit market share and 78.61% revenue share.
    3. The Radeon RX 9070 XT ranks fourth with 4,100 units sold, while demand for this GPU has decreased, leading to price drops and potential sales boosts.
    4. AMD’s overall market share stands at 27.57% in units sold and 20.49% in revenue share, with the RX 9070 lagging behind at only 850 units sold.
    5. Intel’s GPUs are struggling, with the best-selling Arc B580 only selling 400 units; however, Intel plans to release new Arc Battlemage GPUs for improved performance.


    The RTX 50 line of graphics cards finally entered the Steam Hardware Survey in June. While the RTX 40 and RTX 30 series still hold the top positions, the newest GPUs are leading the sales charts on Amazon. The leading three spots are filled by the RTX 50 series, with the Radeon RX 9000 series flagship following behind.

    Sales Figures

    According to information from TechEpiphany on X, retail sales data from June on Amazon US shows that the RTX 5070 (Buy Gigabyte RTX 5070) is at the forefront, selling 5,450 units. Next is the RTX 5060 Ti (Buy Asus Dual RTX 5060 Ti) with 4,950 units sold, and then the RTX 5070 Ti (Buy MSI Gaming RTX 5070 Ti) with 4,400 units. This means Nvidia captures 70.51% of the units sold market share and 78.61% of the revenue share. The RTX 5070 was launched in March, the RTX 5070 Ti came out in February, and the RTX 5060 Ti was released in April.

    AMD’s Position

    In fourth place is the Radeon RX 9070 XT (Buy Asus Prime 9070 XT), which has sold 4,100 units (when combining all RX 9070 XT listings). It’s been recently noted that demand for this GPU has waned, resulting in prices dropping closer to its MSRP of $600. This could potentially boost sales for the RX 9070 XT, especially since it now outperforms the RTX 5070 Ti at 1440p on average. The RX 9070 is lagging behind with only 850 units sold. AMD’s market share stands at 27.57% for units sold and 20.49% for revenue share.

    Intel’s Struggles

    Looking at Intel GPUs, the best-selling Arc card is the Arc B580, with 400 units sold, while the Arc A380 follows at 350 units. Based on Amazon’s sales data, Intel is significantly trailing the competition but has pledged to release more Arc Battlemage GPUs that promise better performance compared to the current Arc B580.

    It’s important to remember that this data is limited to a single retailer and doesn’t provide a full view of the market landscape. Nevertheless, the Steam Hardware Survey also indicates that Nvidia maintains a strong hold on the consumer GPU market.

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  • Alienware 18 vs. MSI Titan 18 HX: Key Feature Comparison

    Alienware 18 vs. MSI Titan 18 HX: Key Feature Comparison

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Performance: The Alienware 18 is one of the fastest gaming laptops available, thanks to its effective cooling system and high-performance hardware.

    2. Limited Display Options: The laptop lacks 4K and HDR display options, offering only a 1600p 300 Hz IPS screen, unlike competitors like MSI.

    3. Price Range: The Alienware 18 is priced between $3500 and $4500, raising expectations for premium features like 4K displays.

    4. Comparison with Competitors: Other 18-inch gaming laptops, such as the MSI Raider A18 and Asus ROG Strix G18, also do not offer 4K options, but MSI provides better display choices.

    5. Gaming Focus: Despite its speed, gamers looking for 4K HDR screens will need to consider alternative models, as the Alienware 18 does not meet this demand.


    The Alienware 18 has established itself as one of the quickest gaming laptops you can buy, even when put side by side with others that have similar graphics capabilities. Its large design facilitates a more effective cooling system, which ultimately allows for higher performance limits, maximizing the hardware’s potential.

    Missing Display Options

    Interestingly, there’s a notable feature absent from the Dell laptop. Unlike the rival MSI Raider A18 or MSI Titan 18 HX, the Alienware 18 doesn’t offer the option for 4K or HDR-compatible screens. All current configurations come with the same 1600p 300 Hz IPS display, while MSI users can choose between IPS or a stunning 4K Mini-LED display. This lack of 4K and HDR support in the Alienware is strange, especially since it is a flagship product priced between 3500 and 4500 USD.

    Other Competitors

    It’s important to note that the Alienware isn’t the only 18-inch gaming laptop lacking 4K options. The Asus ROG Strix G18 also comes with a 1600p 240 Hz IPS display. While the Alienware 18 might be a tad faster than the Titan 18 HX for gaming, those who desire 4K HDR on their internal screen will have to opt for the MSI system at this time.

  • New 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth Controller Leaked Before Release

    New 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth Controller Leaked Before Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo has launched several new controllers, focusing on the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller.
    2. A new controller called the ‘8BitDo Wireless Controller Bluetooth Gamepad’ is available for preorder at $69.99.
    3. The controller is compatible with Android, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Windows.
    4. No images of the new controller have been released, but it is expected to come in purple.
    5. The release date for the new controller is set for July 15, with limited availability on Amazon US.


    8BitDo has been busy lately, launching a bunch of new controllers. The main focus seems to be on updating the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller. Their latest addition is the Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition for Windows, which we’ve discussed in detail in another article.

    Mysterious New Controller

    Recently, the well-known X account Wario64 has pointed out an intriguing new controller from 8BitDo that is already available for preorder on Amazon. It’s priced at $69.99 and is simply called the ‘8BitDo Wireless Controller Bluetooth Gamepad.’ This controller is compatible with Android, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Windows.

    No Image Yet

    At this point, 8BitDo hasn’t even uploaded a picture of the controller in question. Still, they have hinted that it will come in purple, which is also the color of a version of the Ultimate 2 Wireless (currently $59.99 on Amazon). Therefore, we think it’s unlikely that this controller is a new variant of the Ultimate 2 Wireless.

    Release Date

    The Amazon listing reveals that 8BitDo plans to launch this secretive new controller on July 15. Interestingly, we haven’t been able to find the Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN), B0FFGQ6J35, listed on any other Amazon sites except for Amazon US.

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  • Perfect Dark Reboot Developer Addresses Fakery Claims

    Perfect Dark Reboot Developer Addresses Fakery Claims

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rumors about the Perfect Dark reboot gameplay trailer being “basically fake” emerged from claims by Kotaku Editor Ethan Gach.
    2. Former developer Adam McDonald confirmed that while some aspects of the trailer were fabricated, it was primarily based on a real, playable version of the game.
    3. McDonald described the gameplay in the trailer as a “pretty vertical slice,” indicating it was a representative sample of the game’s potential.
    4. The gameplay systems shown in the trailer were functional, with design choices being made during its development.
    5. The Perfect Dark reboot has been officially canceled, with the 2024 gameplay trailer being the only preview of what the remake could have been.


    Rumors about the gameplay trailer for the Perfect Dark reboot at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase have caused a stir due to recent allegations coming to light.

    Allegations Surface

    The situation began when Kotaku Editor Ethan Gach shared claims from an unnamed source, suggesting that the trailer was “basically fake.” This prompted Adam McDonald, a former developer, to come forward and clarify that “there’s some fake stuff in it.”

    Developer’s Insights

    Adam McDonald, who was a level designer for Perfect Dark and a senior game designer at Studio MDHR, took to Bluesky to talk about the ongoing speculation. He mentioned that the footage was “actually in-engine.” McDonald explained that the demo represented a real, playable version, and he was candid about its partially fabricated aspects, referring to it as “a pretty vertical slice.” He stated:

    “I was one of the three level designers who worked on it. It worked best if you played it the way the person in the video did, but it would still work if you didn’t hit the marks perfectly.”

    Clarifying the Gameplay

    According to Adam, the gameplay systems functioned well enough to look impressive in the video, and the team was actively making design choices that would make it into the final product. McDonald added:

    “We were figuring out stuff on the fly to include it in the demo, trying our best not to mislead the players. There’s some fakery, but a lot of it was genuine.”

    The Initiative, a game studio, was responsible for leading the reboot’s development in partnership with Crystal Dynamics. The project had been underway before its formal announcement in 2020. Recently, it was canceled as part of Microsoft’s significant cuts to the Xbox staff, which also led to the closure of the Santa Monica-based game studio.

    The reboot of the beloved first-person shooter from 2000 has been officially scrapped, with the 2024 gameplay trailer being the sole glimpse of what a remake of Perfect Dark could have been.

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