Perfect Dark Reboot Design Director Leaves The Initiative

The Initiative’s design director Drew Murray, who was working on the studio’s reboot of the Perfect Dark series, has left the developer to focus on his personal life.

The designer had previously worked at Insomniac Games in a leading role on the Ratchet & Clank franchise. However, he joined Microsoft’s new studio in November 2018.

In a series of tweets on Monday, Murray explained that he is leaving the company in order to reduce his work commitments and spend more time on his personal life.

However, he does state that he has confidence that “the team has the vision and talent to knock the game and franchise out of the park.”

After two wild years helping start @TheInitiative @Xbox and rebooting #PerfectDark, it's time for me to say a tearful and bittersweet goodbye to my team at The Initiative.
(1/5) pic.twitter.com/LIY9AQDyTV
— Drew Murray (@DrewMaru29) February 1, 2021

“It’s been extraordinary working shoulder-to-shoulder with such a talented and experienced team, many of whom are great friends now, but my life outside of work needs more attention and headspace than I have been able to give it lately, so I’m stepping down from my role.”

The Initiative was formed in 2018 as part of Microsoft’s renewed focus on first-party studios. The Santa Monica-based developer was heavily rumored to be working on a Perfect Dark game. Official confirmation came at The Game Awards at the end of 2020, with the team showing off a trailer for the project.