Arkane Reportedly Has Until Nov. 13 to Find a Buyer or Face Closure
Microsoft is seeking a partner for Marvel's Blade as a consultation affecting 217 Arkane Lyon jobs approaches its Nov. 13, 2026, conclusion.
Arkane Lyon’s consultation over a proposed closure is scheduled to conclude on Nov. 13, with 217 jobs at risk and a sale or closure still possible. Le Monde’s Oct. 23 report says Microsoft wants to sell the studio, and some potential buyers have shown interest. Union representatives say Arkane is performing well. Nov. 13 is the consultation deadline, not a confirmed shutdown date.
Microsoft told Le Monde it is seeking a partner to support the next phase of Marvel’s Blade and bring the game to market. The search for a development partner does not confirm that Arkane has found a buyer.
Printemps Écologique union representatives told Le Monde that Marvel’s Blade is virtually finished and called the prospect of shelving it a “monumental waste.” Arkane Lyon announced the game at The Game Awards in 2023.
Le Monde’s account also says French labor law requires an acquisition to be explored when layoffs exceed 1,000 employees. Xbox’s wider restructuring involves 3,200 job cuts, with Arkane’s 217 affected roles part of the fallout.
Microsoft had already announced plans to close Arkane during its summer 2026 cuts. Undead Labs, another studio that faced closure risk, has since completed its separation from Xbox and become an independent, employee-owned studio.
Would a partner arrangement be enough to keep Arkane Lyon and Marvel’s Blade moving forward? Follow the studio’s buyer search and Blade’s future on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
