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Xbox Seeks Partner to Support Arkane Lyon as It Finishes Marvel's Blade, Extends Search for Buyer
IGN • • technology
Key Points:
- Microsoft is exploring options to find a partner to support Arkane Lyon financially as the studio works to complete Marvel's Blade, and has extended the deadline to find a buyer by one month.
- Arkane Lyon's 217 employees face potential job losses unless a buyer is secured; French labor laws have delayed the studio's closure despite Microsoft's initial plans to shut it down during summer layoffs.
- Industry insider Jason Schreier expressed optimism about Arkane Lyon's survival, noting that shutting down a French game studio is costly due to labor laws, making closure less likely.
- The union is advocating for re-employment of affected Arkane staff within Xbox if no buyer is found and has not ruled out legal action against Microsoft over the divestment.
- Marvel's Blade, announced in December 2023 with a planned reveal early next year and release in late 2027, is reportedly progressing well, with Bethesda's Todd Howard praising Arkane's work recently.
