Arkane Lyon has been given an extra month to find a buyer and prevent a complete shutdown, with Microsoft confirming the extension in a statement.
The studio has been caught up in XBOX’s plethora of layoffs this year, affecting around 3,200 people, with the likes of Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Undead Labs going independent, while Ninja Theory looks set to close outright.
However, due to France’s strict labor laws, Microsoft couldn’t swing the axe immediately on Arkane Lyon and was instead required to begin a consultation period, which has now been extended to December 13.
Arkane Lyon Issued One-Month Extension
In a statement issued to PC Gamer, Microsoft confirmed the extension to the previously reported date, stating: “We have extended the consultation period by one additional month as we explore options, including finding a partner to support the studio through the development work still ahead.
“This is a defined extension, and we remain committed to keeping the Works Council informed throughout the process.”
Previous reports indicated a date of November 13 for a solution to be found for Arkane Lyon, but the immediacy of this date naturally presented some concerns, and Microsoft has now extended that window.
It’s still unclear what will happen with Arkane Lyon long-term and whether the Marvel’s Blade title currently being worked on ever sees the light of day.
The title was announced officially in December 2023, going into full production the following year, and in 2026, Todd Howard praised the work being done on the game, though rumors of Arkane’s shutdown emerged shortly after.
The uncertainty of the title adds salt to the wounds for fans of the Marvel character, who have already seen a planned entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe scrapped, despite being announced in 2019.
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