Arkane Lyon Reportedly Could Be Closed in Mid-November if a Buyer Isn't Found, With Marvel's Blade Still in Development

Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Dishonored 2 and Deathloop, may face closure by mid-November if a potential buyer is not secured, according to a report by French outlet Le Monde. With 217 employees on the line, the company has been searching for a buyer since summer, with the deadline set for November 13, 2024. The studio was informed of Microsoft's closure plans for other studios in July, following new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's announcement.

Unions at Arkane Lyon are reportedly struggling with negotiations for a redundancy plan, which they deem unfavorable. They are pushing for more time to discuss the matter and save the studio and its jobs. Microsoft has stated that they are actively seeking a partner to support the next phase of development and enable the commercialization of the project.

Concerns have arisen about the future of Marvel's Blade, a game currently in development at Arkane Lyon. Initially announced in December 2023 with a reveal trailer, the game was expected to release in late 2027. However, there has been no recent update on the project. Bethesda Game Studios head Todd Howard has expressed enthusiasm for Arkane Lyon's work, but has declined to provide a timeline for the game's development.