Arkane Studios, the developer behind the Dishonored series, may be on the verge of a new ownership following reports that multiple companies have made acquisition offers. According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, Ubisoft is among the interested parties, alongside at least two other unnamed gaming companies.
This situation arises after Xbox's recent studio consolidation, which saw significant layoffs and the closure or divestment of several studios. Arkane was initially at risk of closure but reportedly avoided that fate due to French labor laws requiring Xbox to seek a buyer. The deadline for this search was initially November 13, but Microsoft extended it by a month to explore options and find a partner to support Arkane's ongoing development, most notably the upcoming Marvel's Blade game.
The possibility of Arkane moving from Xbox to Ubisoft has been described by some as a potential move from 'frying pan to fire,' given Ubisoft's own recent struggles with financial difficulties, layoffs, and studio closures. However, Arkane's expertise in creating immersive sims could potentially align well with Ubisoft's major franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and potentially a revived Splinter Cell.
Both Arkane and Ubisoft are French companies, which may offer a degree of cultural and operational familiarity. This publication has reached out to both Xbox and Ubisoft for comment and will provide updates if a response is received.