Arkane Studios Has Until Nov. 13 to Find a Buyer, Le Monde Reports
Microsoft told Arkane management on July 16 that it intended to close the studio, triggering a three-month consultation under French labor law.
Arkane Studios has until Nov. 13 to be purchased as Microsoft moves to close the Lyon-based developer, French outlet Le Monde reports. Microsoft told Arkane management on July 16 that it intended to shut the studio down.
The two sides entered a three-month consultation period under French labor law, during which Microsoft must seek a buyer and negotiate a job protection plan. A representative for the Printemps Écologique union said negotiations over the redundancy plan are going badly.
Unions including the STJV, the French video game workers' union, are pushing to extend the deadline for both the redundancy plan talks and the search for a buyer. Union representatives said several forms of takeover are under consideration and that they have not ruled out taking Microsoft to court.
According to a union representative, Arkane's Marvel's Blade is nearing the end of production. The game was announced at The Game Awards 2023 and was internally delayed until late 2027.
Part of a wider Xbox reset
In July 2026, Microsoft announced an Xbox "reset" that included more than 3,000 layoffs between July 2026 and 2027 and forced some studios to go independent.
Quick answers
When is the deadline for Arkane Studios to be bought?
Le Monde reports that Arkane has until Nov. 13 to be purchased as Microsoft seeks to close the studio.
What happens to Marvel's Blade if Arkane closes?
A union representative said Marvel's Blade is nearing the end of production. The game was announced at The Game Awards 2023 and was internally delayed until late 2027.
Why is Arkane in a consultation period?
Microsoft and Arkane entered a three-month consultation under French labor law, during which Microsoft must seek a buyer and negotiate a job protection plan.