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Ubisoft are reportedly tapped as one potential company that could acquire Arkane, though the Dishonored studio’s own management may be in the running too
Developing story first seen 4 hours ago
Ubisoft has reportedly bid to buy Arkane from Microsoft, while two other gaming companies are also said to be interested. Xbox is considering selling the studio to its own management, but has not formalised a deal with any potential buyer, leaving Arkane’s future unresolved.
A sale could allow Arkane to continue developing Blade, which is expected within the next couple of years. French labour law requires companies with more than 1,000 employees to seek a buyer for three months before closing, making 13 December the deadline. The sale is part of wider cuts and studio changes at Microsoft’s Xbox division.
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In short
- Ubisoft is reportedly among Arkane’s potential buyers.
- Two other gaming companies have also reportedly bid.
- Xbox has until 13 December to find a buyer.
How this story developed
- 2 hours ago Ubisoft has reportedly bid to buy Arkane from Microsoft, which is considering offers from several gaming companies as well as a possible sale to the studio’s own management. No deal has been agreed, leaving the future of the Dishonored developer uncertain.
- 2 hours ago Ubisoft has reportedly bid to buy Arkane from Microsoft, while two other gaming companies are also said to be interested. Xbox is considering selling the studio to its own management, but has not formalised a deal with any potential buyer, leaving Arkane’s future unresolved.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Selling Arkane could give the studio a clearer path to continue making games such as Blade, while transferring its future to an owner willing to fund and support its work. A management buyout may preserve the team’s creative independence and established culture; an established publisher such as Ubisoft could offer broader resources and distribution.
The case against
A sale could put Arkane’s plans and staff at the mercy of a new owner’s priorities, with no guarantee that Blade or other projects would continue. Keeping the studio within Microsoft may offer greater financial backing and continuity, while a rushed sale under a deadline could make it harder to secure terms that protect employees and the studio’s long-term work.
Explained simply
Arkane is a video game studio best known for Dishonored, a series of action games built around stealth and player choice. It is part of Microsoft’s Xbox division, which also owns the publisher Bethesda.
Microsoft has been making cuts and changing how its gaming studios are organised. French labour law requires a company with more than 1,000 employees to look for a buyer for three months before closing a business, which sets a deadline of 13 December in Arkane’s case.
The studio is also expected to make Blade, a game based on the Marvel character. Whether Arkane remains with Microsoft, is bought by another company or passes to its own management could affect who makes the game and how the studio operates.
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