Arkane Studios may be on life support right now, but some seem ready to at least try to keep it alive. In a new report released on Tuesday afternoon, several companies have made offers to Microsoft to acquire the nearly 30-year-old studio.
First reported by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier and confirmed independently by Insider Gaming, Ubisoft has made an offer to buy Arkane. In addition, Xbox has even discussed selling it to its management, similar to what happened with Compulsion Games and Double Fine.
There’s No Agreement Yet
Schreier reports that, in addition to Ubisoft, two other companies have made offers to buy Arkane. That said, there’s no agreement on any deal as of writing. It is, however, part of the extension given by Microsoft for Arkane to figure out its future.
Originally, there was a deadline of November 13 for a buyer to be found. Otherwise, Arkane Lyon could close. Days later, it was confirmed that the studio was given another month to attempt to find a solution.
Now, with that extra, albeit brief, runway, it seems like there’s hope for the studio to move forward and even release Marvel’s Blade.
Regarding Ubisoft, one person with knowledge says it had been of interest to the company “for some time”, and that the idea of making an offer was floated even before Arkane’s status was made public over the summer.
Insider Gaming has reached out to both Xbox and Ubisoft for comment on the original report. Should any response be received, it will be added to this article.
Insider Gaming was the first to report that Arkane was at risk of closure when Microsoft announced its sweeping cuts at Xbox in July. It was one of five studios being either closed or sold off as part of Xbox’s restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma.
What do you think of the idea of Ubisoft purchasing Arkane Studios? Let us know down in the comments and in the official Insider Gaming Discord.
In other news, read the creative director for South of Midnight admitting that he wouldn’t have funded the game if it were his money. For even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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