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“Microsoft chose to close Arkane” by “sabotaging the game it funded,” workers claim
Arkane Studios’ union has accused owner Microsoft of contributing to the studio’s possible closure by freezing hiring, creating delays and then citing the resulting costs as grounds for shutting it. The claims matter because Arkane is developing Marvel’s Blade, and workers say the game is progressing well and should be completed and released.
The union says Arkane is understaffed and underfunded, and wants employee representation in talks with potential buyers and stronger support if jobs are cut. It proposes a €200,000 redundancy payment, two years of Microsoft-funded redeployment support, and shared funding for training and studio creation. The letter says 217 employees could lose their jobs if no buyer is found; Microsoft had not yet commented.
In short
- Arkane’s union blames Microsoft for delays and possible closure.
- Workers say Marvel’s Blade is progressing well.
- The union says 217 jobs are at risk without a buyer.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Workers can reasonably argue that Microsoft’s hiring freeze and delays contributed to the costs it later cited as grounds for closing Arkane, and that a game they say is progressing well deserves a chance to be completed. Given the potential loss of 217 jobs, employee representation in sale talks and substantial redundancy, redeployment and training support would recognise workers’ contribution and help soften the impact.
The case against
Microsoft could argue that studio ownership carries difficult commercial decisions, and that costs, staffing needs and a project’s prospects must be assessed against the company’s wider priorities. Without Microsoft’s response or more detail on the finances and delays, the union’s account alone cannot establish that the company deliberately undermined the game or that continuing the studio is viable.
Explained simply
Arkane Studios is a video-game developer best known for games such as Dishonored and Prey. It is owned by Microsoft, which also publishes games and runs the Xbox business. Arkane is currently working on Marvel’s Blade, a game based on the comic-book character.
When a studio is bought or faces closure, its owner may decide whether to keep it open, sell it or cut jobs. Arkane’s union represents workers and is seeking a role in discussions about the studio’s future, as well as support for staff who might lose their jobs. The dispute could affect the people making the game and the studio’s future work.