Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Arkane union says Xbox is ‘sabotaging’ Blade development
A French union representing Arkane workers has accused Xbox of “sabotaging” Marvel’s Blade development by preventing the studio from hiring for 19 months. The union says the game is progressing well, but claims Microsoft caused internal delays and may now close the studio despite funding the project.
STJV says Arkane wants to remain open and finish Blade, arguing closure could cost more than completing the game. It is calling for workers to have a say in any sale of the studio and for higher redundancy payments, which it says are currently too low. Xbox is reportedly considering closure while also receiving bids from possible buyers, including Ubisoft, and has not responded to the union’s claims.
In short
- Arkane’s union blames Xbox’s 19-month hiring ban for delays.
- STJV says Blade is progressing well.
- The studio’s future and the game’s fate remain uncertain.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The union’s case is that a prolonged hiring freeze can leave a studio unable to replace departing staff, slowing development even when the project is progressing well. If Arkane can complete Blade and attract a buyer, keeping it open could preserve jobs, the team’s expertise and the value of the investment; workers should also have a meaningful say in a sale and fair redundancy terms if closure goes ahead.
The case against
Xbox could argue that staffing and studio decisions must reflect the project’s needs, financial outlook and wider business priorities, and that a hiring pause alone does not establish an intent to sabotage development. If the studio’s future costs or prospects make continued operation unsustainable, closure or a sale could be a responsible way to limit losses, even if workers reasonably dispute that assessment and seek stronger protections.