Deathloop
News, coverage and analysis tracking Deathloop across the outlets.
Arkane Founder Asks Xbox How Much the Studio Would Cost “For a Friend”Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio humorously inquired about the acquisition cost of the studio from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. This comes amid Xbox's recent layoffs and studio restructuring, which has put Arkane under review. Colantonio has previously criticized Xbox's Game Pass model as unsustainable.
Bethesda union blasts Microsoft as Xbox layoffs hit the Fallout and Elder Scrolls studio, too: "When will this cycle of cuts in pursuit of ever-greater profits end?"Microsoft has initiated significant layoffs across its Xbox division, impacting Bethesda Game Studios and other developers. The Bethesda Game Studios Union expressed frustration over the recurring cuts, highlighting the impact on long-term employees and calling for an end to profit-driven redundancies. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited weak operating margins and underperforming investments as reasons for the restructuring, which includes potential strategic shifts for studios like Arkane.
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.
As ZeniMax also faces cuts, Xbox seeks a "significant overhaul" to focus on Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Quake, and other big franchisesMicrosoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant overhaul, including layoffs affecting approximately 3200 jobs and restructuring at ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks. The focus will shift to major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Quake, potentially impacting the future of other IPs and studios like Arkane.
Xbox cutting 3,200 jobs and parting ways with Double Fine, Compulsion, Ninja Theory, and Undead LabsMicrosoft has initiated a significant restructure of its Xbox division, eliminating 3,200 jobs and parting ways with four studios: Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the cuts are necessary due to underperforming bets on Xbox Game Pass and multiplatform releases, as well as a severe hardware crisis impacting component prices. The company aims to streamline operations, reduce management layers, and foster a more efficient development environment.
Microsoft announces 3200 layoffs and four studio departures in "most significant" Xbox restructuring in historyMicrosoft has announced a significant restructuring of its Xbox division, including approximately 3,200 layoffs and the departure of four studios. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will become independent, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are seeking new ownership. Arkane Studios is also under review. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited business performance and industry challenges as reasons for the changes.
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.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continuesThe Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next projectXbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.
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.
Get Bethesda games for cheap with this mystery bundle on FanaticalFanatical is offering a Bethesda VIP Mystery Bundle for just over £5, which includes three Steam games. Most bundles contain one Bethesda title and two highly-rated indie games, while a select few will receive a AAA VIP Pack with five major Bethesda titles including Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Marvel's Blade is Confirmed to NOT Be CancelledDespite 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 CancelledArkane 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.
"Our business today is not healthy": Xbox exec says plan for exclusive games is "not ready" but…Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company's current business is "not healthy" and a new plan for exclusive games is being developed under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some games like Gears of War: E-Day will be console exclusives, live-service titles will remain multi-platform, with a clearer strategy to be communicated to players soon.
Thick as Thieves Review – A Return to the Metal AgesThick 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.
Dishonored dev Arkane Studios nearly made Thief 4 and a Blade Runner gameFormer 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.
Award-Winning 2021 PS5 Action Game 80% Off on PS StoreThe award-winning PlayStation 5 action game Deathloop is currently available for 80% off on the PlayStation Store as part of a limited-time "Next Level Savings" promotion. Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda, the game is priced at $11.99 until Thursday, May 28. Deathloop features two rival assassins trapped in a time loop on the island of Blackreef, tasked with assassinating eight targets before the day resets.
Xbox games are making bank on PlayStationXbox games generated $667 million in gross revenue by being ported to PlayStation 5, according to a report by Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics. While some titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves performed exceptionally well, others like Starfield and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition also met sales thresholds. Sony, conversely, is not planning to port more PlayStation 5 games to PC, focusing on single-player exclusives for its console while live-service games will be multiplatform.- Daily Video Game Deals Apr 22 – Monster Hunter Wilds, Death end re;Quest Code Z, Scar-Lead Salvation, DAEMON X MACHINA: Titanic Scion & MoreDaily video game deals for April 22 include discounts on Monster Hunter Wilds, Death end re;Quest Code Z, Scar-Lead Salvation, and DAEMON X MACHINA: Titanic Scion. Deals are available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms.