Arkane Austin
Arkane Austin business and news from across the web.
'Regarding Arkane… how much?' — Xbox is falling apart and as thousands more are hit with layoffs, I think it's time for someone to save the Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developer before it's too lateAmidst widespread layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, there are concerns about the future of Arkane Studios. The article argues for Arkane's acquisition by another company to preserve its legacy of acclaimed titles like Dishonored and Prey, and to ensure the completion of its current project, Marvel's Blade.
What exactly is going on with Marvel's Blade? Arkane Lyon's fate remains unclear in the wake of Xbox's controversial 'reset'Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant layoffs and studio restructuring, impacting Arkane Lyon and its in-development game, Marvel's Blade. While the studio is in consultation due to French labor laws, reports suggest Blade is safe from cancellation despite being over-budget and internally delayed. Todd Howard of Bethesda Game Studios recently expressed positive impressions of the game.- The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard MergerMicrosoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
- Here’s What’s Going On With Marvel’s Blade And Its Developer Amid Xbox “Reset”Amidst Microsoft's business 'reset' involving layoffs and studio sales, the future of Arkane Lyon and its game Marvel's Blade is uncertain. The French studio is undergoing consultation, with potential outcomes ranging from sale to closure, impacting the development of the delayed and reportedly over-budget Blade game, which was announced in 2023 without gameplay footage.
Arkane temporarily spared in Xbox bloodbath thanks to French law, but its future is up in the airArkane Lyon is reportedly entering negotiations for an independent exit from Xbox due to French labor laws, which prevent immediate layoffs. While the studio's future, including the development of Marvel's Blade, is uncertain, these laws offer a different path compared to the abrupt closures of other Xbox studios like Arkane Austin. Negotiations could still result in significant layoffs at Arkane Lyon.
Xbox could cancel Marvel's Blade and close Arkane in July bloodbath, report says, or the studio may be sold offXbox is reportedly considering closing or selling Arkane Studios and canceling its game Marvel's Blade due to budget and release date issues. This is part of a larger wave of layoffs expected in July as Microsoft aims to cut costs. Other studios like Arkane Austin and Compulsion Games have also faced closures or struggles.
Amidst mounting fears of Xbox closures, Todd Howard says Arkane is 'doing a really, really good job' on BladeDespite fears of studio closures at Xbox, Bethesda Softworks boss Todd Howard confirmed that Arkane Lyon is making good progress on Marvel's Blade. Howard stated he saw positive work from the studio recently, offering reassurance amidst a lack of public updates on the game. The article also touches on Microsoft's recent studio closures, including Arkane Austin, and the controversial announcement of a new Ninja Theory game while the studio was reportedly slated for closure.
Xbox is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – ReportA report indicates that Xbox is punishing its studios for following previous directives, leading to significant layoffs and studio closures. This follows major investments like the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the push for Game Pass, with some studios being criticized for prioritizing the subscription service over individual game sales. The situation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impacting game development.
Xbox's Early Momentum from Asha Sharma is Fading FastXbox's early positive momentum under Asha Sharma appears to be fading due to rumors of studio closures, including Ninja Theory, and the recent shuttering of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. This trend is eroding player trust and potentially jeopardizing the success of future initiatives like Project Helix, which aims to unify Xbox's hardware, software, and services.
What the heck are you playing at, games industry?The article criticizes the recent surge in video game studio closures and layoffs, highlighting numerous studios shut down by major publishers like Ubisoft, EA, Embracer, Sony, and Microsoft. It questions the business strategies of these publishers, particularly Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory and the high development cost of Xbox exclusives like Gears of War E-Day, while also pointing to the industry's pursuit of live services and infinite growth over sustainable development.
Several studios at risk of closure amid Xbox restructuringSeveral internal Xbox studios, including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure or being shut down as part of a global restructuring. These studios are in discussions with Xbox to potentially go independent or secure their future. This move follows previous closures of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin and comes as Xbox shifts focus to major IPs like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, amidst broader industry challenges including layoffs at Ubisoft.
As Xbox eyes layoffs, Microsoft's CEO says its videogames aren't monetised enough—so it's not the cancelled games or $68.7 billion deals or AI overspending, thenMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company's video games are not sufficiently monetized, suggesting this is the core issue rather than cancelled projects or large acquisitions. This comes amid layoffs at Xbox, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma calling for a "reset" to better meet fan expectations. The article also touches on the rising costs of game development and the industry's struggle to find sustainable monetization models.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoffMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Arkane's Dishonored always felt like a secret Thief sequel, and that's because it started life as oneDishonored originally began development as Thief 4 before publisher Bethesda offered Arkane the choice between that franchise or Blade Runner. Directors Raphaël Colantonio and Harvey Smith discuss the project's evolution into Dishonored and their experiences co-directing the game.
Former Elder Scrolls Online boss describes Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin closing as a turning point at Xbox: 'I…Matt Firor, founder of ZeniMax Online Studios, described the closures of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin as a significant turning point for Xbox, leading developers to fear further layoffs. Firor, who also experienced the cancellation of his game Project Blackbird, views these events as part of a larger industry-wide trend of boom and bust cycles, a sentiment echoed by industry veteran Brenda Romero.
A Year-By-Year Breakdown Of Phil Spencer's Mixed Legacy As Xbox BossThis analysis breaks down Phil Spencer's tenure as Xbox boss from 2014 to 2026, highlighting both successes like backward compatibility and the launch of Xbox Game Pass, and failures such as studio closures, game cancellations, and price hikes. The article details major events year-by-year, concluding with Spencer's retirement and the challenges facing Xbox under new leadership.
The future of Xbox is vague and contradictory, with just a glimmer of hopeMicrosoft has announced significant leadership changes within Xbox, with Asha Sharma stepping into a combined CEO role previously held by Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond. The article analyzes the implications of these changes, Sharma's background in AI, and the perceived contradictions in Xbox's future strategy, highlighting concerns about talent retention and the company's long-term direction.