Arkane Studios
Arkane Studios business and news from across the web.
I picked out 31 must-play games going for $5 or less in the Steam Summer SaleThis article highlights 31 must-play games available for $5 or less during the Steam Summer Sale. The curated list includes a variety of genres such as RPGs and first-person shooters, with many titles developed by well-known studios like Larian and BioWare.
Bethesda’s Todd Howard Says Arkane is “Doing a Really, Really Good Job” With Marvel’s BladeBethesda's Todd Howard stated that Arkane Studios is making significant progress on Marvel's Blade, expressing optimism about the upcoming vampire-slaying game. While a release window remains unannounced, Howard's recent comments suggest development is proceeding well despite potential industry-wide layoffs.- Bethesda Boss Todd Howard Saw Marvel's Blade in May, Says Arkane 'Doing a Really, Really Great Job'Bethesda Game Studios head Todd Howard provided an update on Marvel's Blade, stating that Arkane Studios is making significant progress. Howard recently saw a build of the game in May and expressed confidence in Arkane's work.
Dishonored review (2012)This 2012 review praises Dishonored as a gorgeous, complex, and slick assassination simulation with fascinating systems and huge open levels. It highlights the game's freedom in approaching objectives, its unique steampunk-inspired world of Dunwall, and the effectiveness of its stealth mechanics and supernatural powers like Blink. Despite some criticisms regarding its narrative direction and the limitations of non-lethal playstyles, the game is lauded for its depth, aesthetic flair, and PC-specific features.
Report: Redundancies at Microsoft owned Zenimax have begunMicrosoft has reportedly begun significant layoffs and studio closures within its Zenimax Media division, which includes Bethesda, id Software, and Arkane Studios. Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine Productions are also facing potential shutdowns. This news follows recent announcements about Xbox game exclusivity and a reported decline in profitability, indicating a major business reset for the brand.
Games Inbox: Is Xbox worth saving?This article discusses the uncertain future of Xbox, with readers expressing concern over potential studio closures and a lack of innovation. The piece contrasts Xbox's current strategy with past industry practices of companies like Electronic Arts and questions whether Xbox deserves to be saved given its perceived mismanagement and impact on developers.
Saros Developer’s Next Title “Might Not Be At That Scale,” As It’s Grown to Nearly 120 StaffHousemarque, known for Saros on PlayStation 5, is discussing its future projects, which may not be on the same scale as their latest title due to the studio's growth to nearly 120 staff. Studio head Ilari Kuittinen noted the challenges of managing larger teams for bigger experiences. The studio is also focused on supporting Saros based on community feedback, while exploring new opportunities that might be less ambitious.
Multiple Xbox Studios Reportedly In Active Negotiations With Microsoft To Avoid ClosureMultiple Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine, are reportedly in active negotiations with Microsoft to avoid closure. Some studios may be given the opportunity to go independent or find a new buyer. Employees at Ninja Theory have been informed of potential closure, and Arkane Studios is also reportedly concerned about its future.
Rumours suggest multiple Xbox studios are to closeRumors suggest Microsoft is planning to close multiple Xbox studios, including Compulsion Games and Arkane Studios, with potential spin-offs for Double Fine. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also stepped down amid these reports. These potential closures follow underperforming titles like South of Midnight and Redfall, and broader industry discussions about the sustainability of day-one Game Pass releases.- Xbox Closing We Happy Few, South Of Midnight Developer Compulsion Games – ReportMicrosoft is reportedly planning to close Canadian developer Compulsion Games, known for We Happy Few and South of Midnight, as part of a broader restructuring of its Xbox division. This move could impact over 90 employees, and follows recent reports of potential closures for Arkane Studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma alluded to difficult changes ahead to improve economic stability.
- Two Xbox Studios Named As Being At Risk Of ClosureReports indicate that Xbox studios Arkane Studios and Compulsion Games are at risk of closure amid upcoming company-wide layoffs. Employees are reportedly concerned following internal memos suggesting significant workforce reductions. Arkane Lyon is specifically mentioned as a notable studio.
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.
Dishonored dev defends loading screens: 'I actually have a soft spot for all that'Arkane Studios co-creative director Harvey Smith defended the use of loading screens in Dishonored, expressing a fondness for the breaks between areas and the ability to display world-building tips. He noted that ideas from the original game, such as a character needing to retrieve a marked hand, were re-contextualized in Dishonored 2. The discussion occurred during a developer playthrough stream of the 'Lady Boyle's Last Party' mission.
There's never been an easier time to boycott Microsoft, the most boring video game publisher in the businessThis opinion piece argues that Microsoft's gaming division lacks innovation and momentum, making it an easy target for boycotts. The author criticizes recent game announcements like Halo and Gears of War remakes, and highlights the company's perceived stagnation despite owning numerous studios and franchises. The article suggests that boycotting Microsoft is a small sacrifice given the company's broader business practices and the abundance of alternative games available.
Marvel's Blade is not canceled, Arkane dev confirms after Summer Game Fest no-show and over 2 years of silenceArkane Studios development lead Jean-Luc Monnet has offered reassurance that Marvel's Blade is not canceled, responding to fan concerns after its absence from Summer Game Fest. The cryptic "Let us cook" GIF suggests the team is quietly working on the game and needs more time to reveal its progress. This comes amidst industry-wide concerns about layoffs and studio closures, with Arkane Austin having closed in 2024.
No, Blade is not cancelled, Arkane artist confirmsArkane Studios lead concept artist Jean-Luc Monnet has confirmed that the action game Marvel's Blade is not cancelled, reassuring fans amidst concerns about the studio's future. Despite previous struggles with titles like Dishonored 2 and the poorly received Redfall, Arkane is still working on the Marvel title, though platform announcements have yet to be made.
Summer Game Fest no-shows: The big games that were absent from 2026's showcasesSeveral highly anticipated games were notably absent from the Summer Game Fest showcases, leaving fans speculating about their development status. Titles like Arkane's Blade, the Witcher 3 DLC, Injustice 3, and the Divinity sequel were among the expected reveals that did not materialize. The article highlights the absence of these games and discusses potential reasons or future reveal opportunities.
Arkane Lyon's Blade game isn't dead, despite rumours following Xbox Games Showcase no-showDespite 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.
Fatekeeper Early Access Review – A Promising Fate, Still Being ForgedFatekeeper, an early access action-adventure game, offers a visually impressive world with atmospheric environments but suffers from clunky and unsatisfying core combat mechanics. Despite its low entry price and developer responsiveness, the game's linear design and underdeveloped systems make it difficult to recommend at this stage.
Xbox Games Showcase 2026 live report - all the news and announcements as Asha Sharma presents for the first timeThe Xbox Games Showcase 2026, presented by new Xbox leader Asha Sharma, will feature announcements and news starting at 6pm UK time. While Project Helix console news is confirmed to be absent, the show will include a deep dive into the Gears of War prequel E-Day. Anticipated reveals may include Clockwork Revolution, State of Decay 3, a potential Spyro reboot, The Elder Scrolls 6, and Arkane's Blade game.