Take-Two Hires Former Perfect Dark Leads for Brand New 2K Studio

IGN
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:07:59 +0000

Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton, former leads of the canceled Perfect Dark project, have been hired by Take-Two Interactive to establish a new studio under 2K. The new studio's focus has not been disclosed. This follows the cancellation of Perfect Dark by Xbox amid layoffs, with both Gallagher and Horton bringing extensive experience from franchises like Tomb Raider and Marvel’s Spider-Man.

2025-12-08 | Insider Gaming: 2K Games is Launching a New Studio Headed by ex-The Initiative Leadership

Two former leads from The Initiative, Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton, are launching a new studio for 2K Games. Gallagher, the new SVP and Studio Head, expressed excitement about building the studio, while Horton will serve as VP Head of Creative. Both previously worked on the cancelled Perfect Dark title. No details about the new studio's projects or additional team members have been disclosed.

2025-12-09 | Push Square: Xbox Ruthlessly Cancelled Perfect Dark, But Take-Two Just Hired Its Directors

Take-Two has hired Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton, former heads of the now-closed studio The Initiative, which was developing a reboot of Perfect Dark for Xbox before its cancellation. Although Take-Two previously attempted to acquire the project, negotiations fell through over IP ownership. The new studio under 2K Games suggests a desire to continue the Perfect Dark concept, but development will likely start from scratch, delaying any potential release.

2025-12-09 | Eurogamer: Lead developers from cancelled Perfect Dark reboot join 2K to launch brand new studio under Take-Two

Two former lead developers from the cancelled Perfect Dark reboot, Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton, have joined 2K to establish a new studio under Take-Two. Gallagher, previously the studio head at The Initiative, will serve as SVP, while Horton takes on the role of VP, head of creative. Although their new project remains undisclosed, there is speculation about a potential revival of the Perfect Dark reboot, which was initially announced in 2020.

2025-12-09 | GamesIndustry.biz: Take-Two establishes new 2K studio led by former execs from The Initiative

Take-Two Interactive has established a new 2K studio led by former The Initiative executives Darren Gallagher and Brian Horton. Gallagher will serve as studio head, while Horton takes on the role of vice president and head of creative. This follows the closure of The Initiative and the cancellation of the Perfect Dark reboot after Microsoft layoffs. Gallagher expressed excitement about this new venture, which he describes as an ambitious opportunity.

2025-12-09 | VGC: Take-Two hires former Perfect Dark reboot bosses to form a new 2K studio

Take-Two has hired Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton, former heads of the cancelled Perfect Dark reboot at The Initiative, to establish a new studio within 2K. The Perfect Dark remake was announced in 2020 but was cancelled in July 2023 amid layoffs at Microsoft. Take-Two previously attempted to acquire the project but negotiations fell through. No details about the new studio's location, name, or future projects have been disclosed.

2025-12-09 | Pure Xbox: Take-Two Hires Former Perfect Dark Leads To Spin Up A Brand-New Project

Take-Two has hired former Perfect Dark leads Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton to establish a new studio within 2K following the cancellation of Perfect Dark. Gallagher announced his new role as SVP and Studio Head on LinkedIn, expressing excitement for the ambitious project. This development suggests that Perfect Dark is unlikely to continue, but it opens the door for new opportunities under Take-Two's patient approach to game development.

2025-12-09 | Game Developer: Take-Two hires Perfect Dark studio leads for new team

Take-Two has hired Brian Horton and Darrell Gallagher, former leads on the Perfect Dark reboot at The Initiative, to establish a new studio under 2K. This follows the closure of The Initiative amid layoffs at Xbox, which affected 9,000 employees. Development on Perfect Dark faced challenges, leading to its reboot in 2022. The acquisition talks between Take-Two and Embracer for the Perfect Dark franchise collapsed over ownership terms.

2025-12-09 | GamesRadar+: Perfect Dark leads hired for new studio from Borderlands and BioShock publisher 2K, after attempts to save canceled sequel from Xbox failed

Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton, key developers from the canceled Perfect Dark project, have been hired to lead a new studio at 2K, owned by Take-Two. This follows failed attempts to rescue the Perfect Dark sequel. Gallagher will serve as studio head, while Horton will be the head of creative. Their combined experience spans franchises like Tomb Raider and Marvel’s Spider-Man. Further details on their new project are yet to be revealed.

2025-12-09 | GameSpot: Perfect Dark Devs Launch New Studio At Take-Two Following Game's Cancellation

Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton, key developers of the canceled Perfect Dark reboot, have launched a new studio under Take-Two Interactive. While no specific projects have been announced, their hiring follows a failed attempt to revive the Perfect Dark reboot due to ownership disputes. Gallagher previously expressed pride in his team despite the cancellation. Take-Two also faces controversy over layoffs at Rockstar Games, linked to alleged union busting.

2025-12-09 | TechRaptor: Ex-Perfect Dark Reboot Leads Form New Studio at 2K

Former project leads of the canceled Perfect Dark reboot, Darrell Gallagher and Brian Horton, have established a new studio under 2K. A 2K spokesperson expressed excitement about their addition but provided no further details. The Perfect Dark reboot was scrapped earlier this year amid significant layoffs at Microsoft, which affected multiple studios. Gallagher and Horton’s new venture may relate to their previous work on Perfect Dark, though specifics remain unknown.