The future of immersive sim developer Arkane Lyon hangs in the balance as negotiations proceed regarding the studio's potential closure or sale. The French developer, known for titles like Dishonored and Prey, is currently undergoing a consultation process with its worker council to explore strategic options.
Amidst this uncertainty, Raphael Colantonio, Arkane Lyon's original founder and director of games such as Dishonored and Prey, took to social media to address Xbox CEO Phil Spencer. "Regarding Arkane… how much? I’m asking for a friend," Colantonio posted, referencing the ongoing discussions about the studio's fate. Colantonio, who departed Arkane in 2017, has since founded WolfEye Studios and released the immersive sim Weird West.
Arkane Lyon's upcoming project, Marvel's Blade, is reportedly facing significant challenges. The game, announced in 2023, was absent from a recent Xbox showcase, leading to speculation about its status. Reports indicate that Blade has been delayed and has exceeded its budget. Development may continue under a new entity if Arkane Lyon is sold or closed, with Microsoft as the owner of Bethesda, which acquired Arkane Lyon, bearing responsibility for the studio's dissolution.
This situation follows the closure of Arkane Austin in 2024 as part of broader layoffs. The potential loss of Arkane Lyon, a studio with a rich history in the immersive sim genre, would represent a significant setback for the industry. The outcome of the consultations with the worker council is expected to unfold over the coming months, with possibilities ranging from layoffs and new management to outright closure and project cancellation.