Arkane Lyon Union Presses Microsoft on Redundancy and Buyer Choice
Unionised staff say Marvel's Blade development is going fine and argue closing the studio would likely cost more than finishing the game.
Unionised workers at Arkane Lyon published a statement on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, pressing Microsoft for a firmer offer on redundancy terms and on who might buy the studio, which faces potential closure. The statement, from Le Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo, sets out the workforce's position in negotiations with the Xbox owner.
The workers say development on Marvel's Blade is going fine and that the game will match previous Arkane Lyon releases. They argue that closing the studio today would probably cost more than finishing the game, and describe Microsoft's redundancy offer as outrageously low relative to the company's market value.
According to the statement, Microsoft imposed a 19-month hiring freeze that caused delays and extra costs, then cited those consequences as reasons to close the studio.
The union is demanding a say for employee representatives and unions in choosing a potential buyer. It also wants a fund protecting workers made redundant for economic reasons within 24 months of any sale. If Arkane does close, the union is asking for a €200,000 redundancy payment, two years of redeployment support, training and studio-creation resources, and compensation for independent contractors.
The parties have until 13 December 2026 to reach a deal. Ubisoft is reportedly among those interested in buying Arkane.
Background
In July 2026, Microsoft announced plans to part ways with Arkane and several other studios. The statement cites years of mass layoffs across Xbox and a recent voluntary buyout offering, and claims Microsoft made a net profit of more than 133 billion dollars in past years. Ubisoft has recently closed a number of studios and laid off many people.
Quick answers
What is the deadline for a deal over Arkane Lyon?
The parties have until 13 December 2026 to reach an agreement, according to the union's statement.
What is happening with Marvel's Blade?
Unionised workers at Arkane Lyon say development is going fine and the game will match previous Arkane Lyon releases.
Who might buy Arkane?
Ubisoft is reportedly among those interested in buying the studio.