Report: Microsoft Is Running Out Of Time To Save Xbox Studio Arkane
By Update: Bloomberg journalist mentions that “various avenues” are being investigated
- by Fraser Gilbert
- Fri, 3:45pm
Update [Fri 23rd Oct 2026, 5:05pm]:
According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, “various avenues” are being investigated to rescue Arkane, and he would be personally astonished if the studio faced closure.
Original Story: In July, Xbox revealed that it would cut 3,200 positions and sever ties with four studios including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Undead Labs. Nonetheless, it was also noted at the time that Arkane Studios was evaluating “potential strategic alternatives” in light of possibly exiting Xbox’s ownership.
In September, it was noted that “dialogue with Arkane is still ongoing and is anticipated to persist through the end of the year,” although a new article from French source Le Monde implies that the situation is critical.
Their report indicates a deadline of November 13th for the consultation phase that might result in the studio’s closure, although a Microsoft spokesman informed the outlet that “various alternatives” are still being considered. According to French regulations, Microsoft is required to search for a buyer for a minimum of three months, and that process commenced during the summer.
Here’s what the Microsoft spokesman stated, keeping in mind that this has been translated from French:
“We are still investigating various alternatives for Arkane as part of the ongoing consultation process in France. We keep the social and economic committee as well as the employees updated and are proactively seeking a partner to support the next stage of development and facilitate the project’s commercialization.”
The reference to a “project” presumably pertains to Marvel’s Blade, which has been under development for several years at Arkane Studios and is apparently nearing the completion of production according to Le Monde.
It should be mentioned that while the November 13th deadline is referenced here,
