Ubisoft is reportedly among the companies interested in acquiring Arkane Austin, the Microsoft-owned studio currently developing Marvel's Blade. This comes several months after Microsoft announced plans to divest Arkane as part of a wider studio consolidation. According to a report from Bloomberg, the Assassin's Creed publisher has already submitted a bid for the studio, which is also based in France.
Microsoft is also exploring the possibility of selling Arkane Austin back to its management. Should no deal be reached by a December deadline, the closure of the studio remains a potential outcome. Microsoft has indicated that the terms of the current proposals have not yet satisfied the company.
Ubisoft's potential acquisition of Arkane Austin could see the French publisher involved with the completion of Marvel's Blade. This follows Ubisoft's 2024 release of Star Wars Outlaws, a game based on a Disney-owned license. However, Ubisoft is also navigating its own financial challenges, including layoffs and restructurings amidst revenue shortfalls and debt obligations, with no major blockbuster releases scheduled for the upcoming fall season.
Microsoft had previously extended the deadline for Arkane Austin to secure a buyer, signaling a continued effort to find a resolution for the studio.