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Take-Two Forms New 2K Studio Led by Ex–Perfect Dark Chiefs After Microsoft Cancellation

An IP‑ownership impasse kept Perfect Dark at Microsoft, redirecting the project’s top leads to build something new at 2K.

Overview

  • Darrell Gallagher becomes SVP, studio head, and Brian Horton becomes VP, head of creative, at a new 2K studio under Take-Two.
  • The hires follow Microsoft’s July shutdown of The Initiative and cancellation of its long‑planned Perfect Dark reboot during mass layoffs.
  • Crystal Dynamics sought a publishing deal with Take‑Two to keep the game alive, but talks with Microsoft collapsed over who would own the franchise.
  • Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reported the near‑rescue and the subsequent hires, and Gallagher confirmed his move on LinkedIn.
  • Take‑Two has not announced a project; media suggest any continuation of the canceled work would need a new title and remains unconfirmed.