Arkane Studios Faces Nov. 13 Deadline as Marvel's Blade Nears Completion

Arkane Studios faces a November 13 deadline in the consultation process over its proposed closure, according to a report by French newspaper Le Monde. Around 217 jobs at the studio are reported to be at risk.

Marvel's Blade, the game in development at Arkane Studios, has reportedly neared the end of production. The title risks going unreleased if the studio does not find a publishing partner. Microsoft said it is actively seeking a partner to support the next phase of development and enable commercialization of Marvel's Blade.

The buyer search process began during the summer after Xbox Game Studios confirmed layoffs and divestments. Several forms of takeover of Arkane Studios are reportedly under consideration.

Arkane Studios' union representative said it would be a monumental waste if the game went unreleased. The studio's sole representative trade union is Printemps Ecologique, and the French video game workers union Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Video has also been involved.

Background

In July 2026, it was reported that Arkane Studios was facing closure as part of Microsoft's divestment of studios, and that Marvel's Blade looked to be cancelled. Arkane Studios first announced Marvel's Blade in 2023. Under France's Florange Law, companies with at least 1,000 employees must seek a buyer when planning certain closures involving large-scale layoffs.