Report: Arkane Studios has until November 13 to find a buyer

Arkane Studios, which Xbox announced plans to divest in July, faces a November 13 deadline in the consultation process surrounding its proposed closure, with “several forms of takeover” reportedly under consideration, according to French publication Le Monde.

The report, citing a union representative from Printemps Ecologique, Arkane Studios’ sole representative trade union, states that several takeover options are being considered as Microsoft seeks a partner for the studio.

The search for a buyer began in mid-summer under France’s Florange Law, which requires companies with at least 1,000 employees to seek a buyer when planning certain closures involving large-scale layoffs.

The November 13 deadline marks the end of consultations with Arkane Studios’ Social and Economic Committee. Approximately 217 jobs are at risk.

The information comes from Le Monde’s reporting and union statements, and not directly from Arkane Studios. Microsoft separately told the publication that it was “actively seeking a partner to support the next phase of development and enable the commercialization of the [Marvel’s Blade] project.”

Arkane Studios, also known for Dishonored and Deathloop, announced Marvel’s Blade in 2023, which a union representative told Le Monde “is nearing the end” of production. The representative said that it “would be a monumental waste” if it went unreleased, while the Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Video (French video game workers union) said it was proud of the work completed and believes the game would be a success if released.

Update 1:15 p.m.: Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, who is known for his insider reports, has added, “My understanding is that there are multiple paths actively being explored that would save Arkane Lyon. Anything can happen during negotiations, but at this point I’d be surprised if the studio is shut down.”