Arkane Studios
Arkane Studios business and news from across the web.
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Rumours suggest multiple Xbox studios are to close
Rumors 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 – Report
Microsoft 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 Closure
Reports 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 spinoff
Microsoft 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 business
This 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 silence
Arkane 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 confirms
Arkane 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 showcases
Several 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-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.
Fatekeeper Early Access Review – A Promising Fate, Still Being Forged
Fatekeeper, 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 time
The 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.
PC Gamers, come rate my videogame vinyl collection and decide whether it was worth the $$$
This article discusses the author's personal journey and extensive collection of video game and anime soundtrack vinyl records, highlighting titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring. While acknowledging the enjoyment and ritual of collecting, the author concludes that for most people, it's an expensive and cumbersome hobby compared to digital listening.
While we wait for the new Witcher 3 DLC, here are the 7 best game expansions to play in 2026
This list ranks the seven best downloadable content expansions for video games, including titles like The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The article highlights how these expansions enhance their base games with new stories, areas, and gameplay mechanics.
Thick as Thieves Review – A Return to the Metal Ages
Thick as Thieves is a short but ambitious first-person stealth game that draws inspiration from classics like the Thief series. It features a gameplay loop similar to extraction shooters, where players must infiltrate levels, loot items, and complete objectives without being detected, as combat is not a viable option. Despite its limited scope and some missing basic features, the game's addictive stealth mechanics, intricate level design, and low price point make it a recommendable experience, especially for fans of the genre.
Arkane devs say the studio almost made Thief 4 and a Blade Runner game before it made Dishonored — 'We were both so excited. Blade Runner and Thief, two of our favourite things of all time'
Arkane Studios co-directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith revealed that the studio almost developed games based on Blade Runner and the Thief franchise before creating Dishonored. Bethesda had pitched both projects, and Arkane developed pitches for each, with the Thief 4 concepts eventually forming the basis for Dishonored.
"It felt like we had needed couples therapy": Dishonored devs Arkane making Thief or Blade Runner games sounds ace, but might have sparked a creative director scrap
Arkane Studios co-directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith discussed the development of Dishonored, which combined their initial concepts for Thief 4 and a Blade Runner game. The directors revealed that the process of deciding which project to pursue led to creative friction, likening the experience to needing couples therapy. Ultimately, Bethesda Softworks merged their ideas to create Dishonored.
Memorial Day Postmortems/Retrospectives
This article reflects on past game development decisions, specifically Arkane's unfulfilled potential for Thief 4 before Dishonored. It also touches on the personal experience of struggling to complete The Witcher 3, suggesting readers avoid similar pitfalls.
Before Dishonored, Arkane was tapped to make Thief 4, and my heart weeps for what might have been: 'We had an…
Arkane Studios co-directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith revealed that Bethesda initially approached the studio to develop Thief 4 or a Blade Runner game before Dishonored. While both directors were passionate about the franchises, neither project materialized, leading Arkane to develop Dishonored instead. The studio was later acquired by ZeniMax Media.
Dishonored dev Arkane Studios nearly made Thief 4 and a Blade Runner game
Former Arkane Studios co-directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith revealed that the studio was nearly tasked with developing Thief 4 or a Blade Runner game before creating Dishonored. Bethesda had approached Arkane with the propositions, and the developers expressed strong interest in both franchises. Ultimately, Bethesda allowed Arkane to proceed with their original project, which became Dishonored.
