Arkane Lyon
Arkane Lyon business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Bethesda pivots to "franchise-centric" planning model amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda is shifting to a franchise-centric planning model to focus on long-term growth and stability, as announced by CEO Jill Braff. This change occurs amidst a broader Xbox restructuring that includes 3,200 job cuts and downsizing at several studios like ZeniMax Online Studios and Arkane Lyon.
Compulsion Games and Double Fine confirm "Independence Day" from Xbox
Compulsion Games and Double Fine have confirmed their return to independent management following significant layoffs and studio divestitures at Xbox. Compulsion Games will retain the rights to its titles, including We Happy Few and South of Midnight, while Double Fine also regains ownership of its games. This news comes as part of broader restructuring within Xbox's gaming division, affecting multiple studios.
Xbox Layoffs 2026: What Microsoft's Reset Means for Average Gamers
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone a massive restructuring, cutting approximately 3,200 jobs in fiscal year 2027 and shuttering or spinning off five studios, including Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon. This move comes despite Microsoft's overall profitability, with Xbox reportedly struggling with low profit margins and a failed attempt to achieve a 30% accountability margin. The article analyzes the business decisions, including Game Pass accounting and price hikes, that led to these layoffs and discusses the implications for gamers, including potential changes to hardware strategy and game exclusivity.
“Catastrophic Mismanagement” And AI Gambits Led To Mass Xbox Layoffs, Expert Says
An expert attributes the recent mass layoffs at Microsoft, including 3,200 at Xbox, to "catastrophic mismanagement" by CEO Satya Nadella and the company's AI strategies. The article suggests that AI investments are not yielding sufficient returns, leading to cost-cutting measures that also involve divesting several development studios. Despite Microsoft's claims that AI is changing how work is done, the company's stock price has seen a decline.
Xbox CEO Reflects On Massive Cuts: “We Simply Spread Ourselves Too Thin”
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company spread itself too thin with various new ventures, leading to a lack of focus on the core business and resulting in significant layoffs and studio restructuring. Sharma indicated that the Xbox business is not currently healthy, necessitating these changes to address hardware challenges and accelerate necessary adjustments.
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.
Xbox layoffs: jobs lost at Bethesda, more reported at id Software
Xbox has announced significant layoffs, impacting approximately 20% of its workforce, totaling 3,200 employees. Job losses have been confirmed at studios including Bethesda and id Software, with five studios being divested or acquired. This follows a recent round of voluntary redundancies and coincides with the start of Microsoft's financial year.
Xbox layoffs: jobs lost at Bethesda, more reported at id Software
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced sweeping layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees, or 20% of the organization. Several studios, including Bethesda, Zenimax Online Studios, and id Software, have confirmed job losses, with up to half of the team working on The Elder Scrolls Online reportedly impacted. Five studios are being divested, with Double Fine and Compulsion Games becoming independent, and Ninja Theory and Undead Labs in the process of being acquired.
As Xbox Tries to Sell or Close Arkane, the Future of Marvel's Blade Remains Unclear, With Reports Suggesting It Was Delayed Internally and Is Running Over Budget
The future of Marvel's Blade is uncertain as Microsoft considers selling or closing its developer, Arkane Lyon. Reports indicate the game has faced internal delays and is exceeding its budget, casting doubt on its development status.
Arkane temporarily spared in Xbox bloodbath thanks to French law, but its future is up in the air
Arkane 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.
Four Xbox Studios Are Leaving Microsoft As Arkane Lyon Faces Uncertain Future
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant restructuring, leading to layoffs and the sale of several studios including Ninja Theory and Undead Labs. Double Fine and Compulsion Games are becoming independent, while Arkane Lyon's future remains uncertain.
Xbox cuts 3,200 staff as four studios to exit Microsoft – Arkane under review
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees within its Xbox division, with 1,600 staff being let go immediately. Four studios, including Ninja Theory and Undead Labs, are becoming independent or being sold off, while Arkane Lyon's future is under review. This restructuring follows a period of rapid developer acquisitions and aims to refocus Xbox's business strategy.
As major Xbox shake-ups loom, former Wolfenstein studio head is now seemingly in charge of Marvel's Blade developer…
Jerk Gustafsson, former co-founder and studio head of MachineGames, has seemingly taken over leadership of Arkane Lyon, the developer of Marvel's Blade. This change occurs amidst broader shake-ups at Xbox subsidiaries, with Arkane Lyon reportedly facing potential closure. The leadership shift, officially noted on June 30, suggests a potential restructuring for the studio.
Kojima Productions’ OD Remains Safe Ahead of Xbox Reset – Rumor
Despite recent rumors of potential studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, Kojima Productions' upcoming horror title OD is reportedly safe. This comes as other studios like Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Arkane Lyon face uncertain futures. OD remains Kojima Productions' primary focus for 2026.
Amidst mounting fears of Xbox closures, Todd Howard says Arkane is 'doing a really, really good job' on Blade
Despite 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.
Several studios at risk of closure amid Xbox restructuring
Several 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.
Marvel's Blade is Confirmed to NOT Be Cancelled
Despite previous reports and a lack of major updates since its 2023 announcement, Marvel's Blade is confirmed to not be cancelled. Arkane Lyon's lead concept artist and art director assistant, Jean-Luc Monnet, responded to a fan's inquiry with a "Let us cook" GIF, signaling that development is ongoing. This provides a ray of hope for fans concerned about the project's status.
Marvel’s Blade Concept Artist Says it Hasn’t Been Cancelled
Arkane Lyon's lead concept artist Jean-Luc Monnet has addressed speculation about Marvel's Blade being cancelled, stating that development is ongoing. Despite a lack of official updates since its December 2023 announcement, concept art has been shared, and a campaign director's profile suggests pre-production began in January 2022. Rumors suggest a potential 2027 release window.
Marvel’s Blade Isn’t Dead, Despite Recent Rumblings – Report
Despite recent speculation fueled by its absence from the Xbox Games Showcase, Marvel's Blade is reportedly not canceled. Journalist Jeff Grubb clarified that while there are reasons for the lack of recent updates, they do not indicate problems with the game's development by Arkane Lyon.
Arkane Lyon's Blade game isn't dead, despite rumours following Xbox Games Showcase no-show
Despite rumors suggesting the cancellation of Arkane Lyon's Marvel's Blade game, insider Jeff Grubb has clarified that the project is not dead and is still in development. The game, which was revealed at The Game Awards 2023 and is set in Paris, has not been shown publicly since, leading to speculation about its status. Arkane Studios director Dinga Bakaba previously stated the team was hard at work on the title.