‘We’re Victims of Xbox’s Change in Strategy’: Dishonored Dev Has Weeks to Save Itself
Arkane Lyon, the French studio behind the Dishonored games, has until 13 November to find a buyer or new funding, or it could close. The deadline follows Microsoft’s decision to sell the studio under a consultation process required by French law; closure would put about 217 jobs at risk.
Union representatives say the studio’s Marvel’s Blade project, announced in 2023, is nearing the end of production, while studio spokespeople say its release could be successful. People at the studio have criticised Microsoft’s decisions as incoherent and described Arkane as a “collateral victim” of Xbox’s change in strategy. Microsoft has cut more than 1,800 jobs and is aiming to eliminate 3,200 roles overall, with further redundancies expected.
In short
- Arkane Lyon needs a buyer or funding by 13 November.
- A closure could put about 217 jobs at risk.
- Union representatives say Marvel’s Blade is nearing production’s end.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Microsoft’s decision to seek a buyer can be defended as an attempt to respond to changing business priorities and limit ongoing costs, while giving Arkane a chance to continue under new ownership. If Marvel’s Blade is nearing completion and has strong prospects, a buyer may be better placed to fund its release and preserve the studio’s work and jobs.
The case against
The studio’s staff and union representatives can argue that selling Arkane puts roughly 217 jobs and a distinctive creative team at risk, especially after years of work on Blade. They may also see the deadline and wider Xbox cuts as evidence that strategic decisions are undermining a project with potential before it can reach players.