Arkane Lyon
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Microsoft is Providing a “Voluntary Exit Offer” to Around 60,000 Employees
Microsoft is implementing company-wide cost-cutting measures by offering a "Voluntary Exit Offer" to approximately 60,000 employees across various regions, including those within Xbox. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase flexibility and support employees considering career changes. The company has also recently undergone significant layoffs, impacting around 1,600 roles at Xbox, and is divesting four studios while Arkane Lyon faces potential closure.
Paris Games Biz showcased a guarded optimism in the face of turmoil, both locally and in the industry at large | Opinion
Despite civil unrest and industry-wide financial turmoil, the Paris Games Biz event showcased a guarded optimism among French game developers and publishers. Many smaller studios credited government funding initiatives with keeping them afloat, while discussions also touched on the potential of existing IP and the evolving role of marketing. Concerns were raised about the generosity of French government support compared to the UK, and the struggles of larger companies like Ubisoft were acknowledged.
Microsoft extends consultation period for Arkane Lyon as it continues development on Marvel's Blade
Microsoft has extended the consultation period for Arkane Lyon by one month as it seeks a new buyer for the studio, while development on Marvel's Blade continues. Trade unions report that negotiations on the redundancy plan are not going well, with concerns raised about the contradiction between the company's financial situation and the divestiture. Microsoft is exploring options and seeking a partner for Arkane Lyon's next phase.
Xbox Seeks Partner to Support Arkane Lyon as It Finishes Marvel's Blade, Extends Search for Buyer
Microsoft is exploring options to find a partner to support Arkane Lyon during the development of Marvel's Blade and has extended the deadline to find a buyer for the studio. This indicates potential financial or strategic difficulties for the studio.
Microsoft Gives Arkane Lyon Another Month to Find a Way Forward
Arkane Lyon is facing potential closure following Microsoft's announcement, but French law provides a three-month window to find a buyer. Despite reported financial issues, the studio continues development on Marvel's Blade, with possibilities for a rescue.
Arkane Lyon’s Deadline to Find a New Buyer Has Been Pushed Back to December 13th
Microsoft has extended the deadline for Arkane Lyon to find a new buyer to December 13th, allowing the studio to continue development on Marvel's Blade. This decision comes amidst wider Xbox cost-cutting measures, including significant job cuts and the divestiture of other studios, which have led to anger and concern among employees and union representatives.
Arkane Lyon Has “Multiple Paths Actively Being Explored” to Stay Afloat – Rumor
A report suggests Arkane Lyon is exploring multiple options to avoid closure, with "positive news" indicating a low likelihood of the studio being shut down by Xbox. This comes amid industry-wide layoffs and high costs associated with closing studios in France, particularly concerning the development of Marvel's Blade.
Xbox's first chief operating officer Helen Chiang leaves Microsoft just three months into the job
Helen Chiang, Xbox's first chief operating officer, has departed Microsoft just three months after assuming the role. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed the news in an internal memo, citing Chiang's 21 years of service but offering no specific reason for her departure. This move comes amidst a significant restructuring within Xbox that included layoffs and studios becoming independent.
Time could be running out for Arkane
Arkane Lyon is reportedly facing potential closure by Microsoft by November 13, following a month-long extension to find a buyer. This comes after Xbox laid off thousands of employees and shut down Ninja Theory. While Microsoft states the closure documents are part of a required consultation process, the studio's future remains uncertain as it continues development on Marvel's Blade.
As devastating Xbox "reset" continues, Dishonored studio Arkane Lyon reportedly only has until November to find a new buyer before it's closed
Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, is reportedly facing closure by November if a buyer is not found, following significant layoffs at Xbox. Microsoft acquired ZeniMax, which owned Arkane, in 2021. The studio's current project, Marvel's Blade, is reportedly still in development but its future is uncertain amidst these potential closures.
Arkane Lyon Unions Seek More Time to Find Buyer and Save 217 Jobs
Arkane Lyon is seeking a buyer within a three-month window to prevent closure following Xbox's announcement. Despite claims of financial issues, the studio is still developing Marvel's Blade, and employees are actively looking for potential paths to save the studio and its 217 jobs.
Marvel's Blade 'nearing the end' of production as Arkane faces closure
Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, faces potential closure by November 13, 2026, if a buyer is not found, as part of Microsoft's broader Xbox layoffs. The studio's upcoming game, Marvel's Blade, is reportedly nearing the end of its production phase, leading to concerns about the financial and artistic waste if the studio is shut down.
Arkane Lyon Could Be Shut Down Within Weeks As Deadline To Find A Buyer Looms
Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Marvel's Blade, is reportedly facing closure if a buyer is not found by November 13. Microsoft is obligated to search for a buyer under French law, but negotiations are reportedly not going well. The studio has a 27-year history, having developed titles like Dishonored and Deathloop.
Arkane survival negotiations reportedly seeing "several forms of takeover" considered ahead of November deadline, as Marvel's Blade production nears end
Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, is reportedly considering several takeover options as Microsoft's divorce from the studio approaches a November deadline. With 217 jobs at risk, unions are expressing dissatisfaction with Microsoft's handling of the negotiations, though production on Marvel's Blade is nearing completion.
Arkane Lyon Reportedly Could Be Closed in Mid-November if a Buyer Isn't Found, With Marvel's Blade Still in Development
Arkane Lyon, currently developing Marvel's Blade, is reportedly facing potential closure in mid-November if a buyer is not found. The studio's 217 employees are in a precarious situation as the future of the studio hangs in the balance.
Xbox Will Go Through More Layoffs in October, November, and January – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly planning multiple rounds of layoffs in October, November, and January, following an initial wave in July. CEO Asha Sharma cited a need to cut costs and improve profitability due to over-expansion and underperforming investments. These cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce approximately 3,200 jobs by fiscal year 2027 and have already led to the divestment of several studios.
Hundreds of layoffs and many cancelled projects later, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly says 'we will not…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly stated the company's commitment to creating new intellectual property and backing its strongest franchises. This comes amidst significant layoffs, studio reorganizations, and project cancellations, leading to confusion and criticism regarding Xbox's actual strategy.
Undead Labs boss "reluctant to share" number affected by layoffs: "I would hate to reduce the impact to those individuals to a number or statistic"
Undead Labs studio head Philip Holt expressed reluctance to share the exact number of employees affected by recent layoffs, emphasizing the human impact over statistics. The developer transitioned to an employee-owned studio following restructuring at Xbox, with Holt aiming for transparency during the difficult process. This move was part of broader Xbox layoffs impacting multiple studios.
As Xbox swings the axe, Gears of War: E-Day developers fear they'll be laid off straight after launch - and right before they'd be due their bonuses
Developers at The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, are increasingly fearful of imminent layoffs following recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft and Xbox. The departure of the game's story director has heightened anxiety, particularly concerning potential loss of Metacritic bonuses tied to the game's launch.
Xbox is “Not For Sale”, Will Take Long-Term View With Microsoft, Says CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the division is not for sale, despite recent layoffs and studio divestments. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox has a long way to go with Microsoft and will take a long-term view for growth. The company is restructuring, consolidating studios, and divesting some, while also discussing the future of Arkane Lyon and merging teams like Turn 10 Studios with Playground Games.