In a nutshell
- A new report claims multiple companies have submitted bids to acquire Arkane Lyon from Xbox, with Ubisoft reportedly among the interested parties.
- Xbox is said to be exploring several options for the studio, including a potential managment buyout.
- The future of Marvel’s Blade, currently in development, could depend on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations.
The future of Arkane Lyon, the acclaimed studio behind Dishonored, Deathloop, and the upcoming Marvel’s Blade, may soon take a significant turn.
According to a new report from Bloomberg, several companies have submitted offers to acquire the studio from Xbox, with Ubisoft named as one of the interested bidders. Bloomberg’s report states that Ubisoft is one of at least three parties pursuing the French developer, though Xbox has reportedly not reached an agreement with any prospective buyer.
The report also notes that Microsoft has explored the possibility of selling the studio to its own management team, which could allow the studio to continue operating independently.
Arkane Lyon’s Future Remains Uncertain
Arkane Lyon has been at the center of industry discussions following Xbox’s ongoing restructuring efforts. While other studios have successfully spun off or become independent, Arkane’s future has remained unclear as Microsoft evaluates its options for the developer.
French labor laws reportedly require large companies to seek potential buyers before shutting down facilities, leading to an extended consultation process surrounding the studio’s future.
What Happens to Marvel’s Blade?
One of the biggest questions surrounding a potential sale is the status of Marvel’s Blade, Arkane Lyon’s highly anticipated action game first announced in 2023.
Reports indicate that a successful acquisition could allow the studio to continue development and bring the project to completion. Bloomberg’s sources reportedly suggest that Marvel’s Blade is expected to launch within the next couple of years, although neither Microsoft nor Arkane Lyon have officially provided an updated release target.
The report does not identify the other interested buyers, and Xbox has yet to publicly announce any decisions regarding Arkane Lyon’s future. An Xbox spokesperson told Bloomberg that the company is continuing to explore options ahead of a key deadline and declined to provide additional comment.
