The future of Arkane Studios, known for the Dishonored series and the upcoming Marvel's Blade, has become a topic of discussion following Xbox's recent announcement of significant restructuring. The company detailed 3,200 layoffs and the move of several studios to independent status or new ownership. While Arkane's situation requires a specific process due to French labor laws, a former co-founder has publicly expressed interest in acquiring the developer.
Raphaël Colantonio, who co-created Dishonored and directed early Arkane titles like Arx Fatalis and Prey, responded to an X post by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma detailing the company's changes. Colantonio asked, "how much?" regarding the potential purchase of Arkane, though he quickly followed up by stating he was "asking for a friend" and included a playful emoji, suggesting the inquiry was largely in jest.
Colantonio departed Arkane in 2017 and later co-founded WolfEye Studios with former Arkane producer Julien Roby. WolfEye released its debut title, the isometric action-RPG Weird West, in 2022, and is currently working on a new first-person immersive sim slated for 2025. Despite Colantonio's lighthearted comment, the exchange has resonated with fans who have flooded the post with requests for him to acquire Arkane, indicating a strong desire among the player base for new leadership at the studio.
Other studios impacted by Xbox's recent announcements face different outcomes. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions are set to become independent entities, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are transitioning to new ownership, the specifics of which have not yet been revealed. These moves come after a period of significant upheaval for Microsoft's gaming division.