Raphaël Colantonio
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Almost 20 years later, Arkane's founder says he understands why Valve cancelled the Ravenholm game that never was:…
Arkane Studios founder Raphaël Colantonio discussed the cancellation of the standalone Half-Life 2: Ravenholm game, which was in development in the late 2000s. He explained that the decision was primarily economic, stemming from the sales performance of Half-Life 2's DLCs. Colantonio expressed initial pain and confusion over the cancellation but has since come to understand the business realities, noting the project's influence on Arkane's later work, such as Dishonored.
When Valve killed its Ravenholm game, Arkane founder says "we did not understand" its thinking: "It all came down to the economics behind Half-Life 2 and how the DLCs were selling"
Arkane founder Raphaël Colantonio discussed the cancellation of the Ravenholm game, a Half-Life 2 spin-off, stating that Valve's decision was based on the economics of DLC sales. Colantonio reflected on the decade-long pain of the cancellation but now understands Valve's business reasoning. He also mentioned that the project led to close collaboration with Half-Life 2's art director, Viktor Antonov.
Why GTA Games Are A “Stab In The Heart,” But Also Amazing, For Ex-Dishonored Dev
Former Dishonored developer Raphaël Colantonio views Grand Theft Auto games as a "stab in the heart" for immersive sim enthusiasts, praising Rockstar's surface-level simulation and sandbox execution while lamenting the lack of lasting consequences for player actions. He contrasts this with games like Skyrim, where choices have meaningful, long-term impacts, and expresses his personal preference for deeper player agency over GTA's mission-instance approach. Colantonio looks forward to Grand Theft Auto 6 to see how Rockstar pushes its instant simulation further.
Dishonored was a last-ditch effort by Arkane Studios after years of fruitless contract work, according to the game's co-creator: 'I think we had four months of money left'
Dishonored co-creator Harvey Smith revealed that the game was a last-ditch effort for Arkane Studios, which was facing financial collapse with only four months of funds remaining. The studio had been taking on various contract work, but ultimately decided to focus on their passion project, which became a critical and commercial success. This experience solidified Smith's belief in pursuing creative passion, a principle he is applying to his new studio, Black Pony Immersive.
Dishonored Director Announces New Studio, And Fans Should Be Very Excited
Veteran game developers Harvey Smith and Ben Horne have announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive, a new studio focused on creating first-person action-RPGs in well-realized worlds. Smith, a co-creator of the Dishonored series, aims to continue the legacy of immersive sims, a genre that has seen fewer releases in recent years. The studio will be based in Austin, Texas, the same location as Arkane Studios.
'The last time I liked everything about a game was probably Baldur's Gate 3': Raphael Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, talks us through the games installed on his PC
Raphaël Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios and WolfEye Studios, discusses the games installed on his PC, highlighting Baldur's Gate 3 as the last game he "liked everything about." He shares his thoughts on current plays like Mewgenics and Cyberpunk 2077, his enduring love for immersive sims like Thief and Deus Ex, and his early PC gaming roots with Ultima 7.
The Descent - how game devs learned to love ladders
This article explores the complex history and design considerations of ladders in video games, from early problematic implementations to modern, nuanced approaches. Developers like Arkane Austin and Hideo Kojima have experimented with ladders as both gameplay mechanics and narrative tools, highlighting how even simple elements can significantly impact player experience and game design.
Raphael Colantonio on Arkane's Status
Raphael Colantonio addressed the uncertainty surrounding Arkane Studios' future following recent layoffs at Xbox. Colantonio, who co-founded Arkane and left in 2017, commented on the situation via X, noting Arkane's acquisition by ZeniMax Media in 2010.
'Regarding Arkane… how much?' — Xbox is falling apart and as thousands more are hit with layoffs, I think it's time for someone to save the Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developer before it's too late
Amidst widespread layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, there are concerns about the future of Arkane Studios. The article argues for Arkane's acquisition by another company to preserve its legacy of acclaimed titles like Dishonored and Prey, and to ensure the completion of its current project, Marvel's Blade.
What exactly is going on with Marvel's Blade? Arkane Lyon's fate remains unclear in the wake of Xbox's controversial 'reset'
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant layoffs and studio restructuring, impacting Arkane Lyon and its in-development game, Marvel's Blade. While the studio is in consultation due to French labor laws, reports suggest Blade is safe from cancellation despite being over-budget and internally delayed. Todd Howard of Bethesda Game Studios recently expressed positive impressions of the game.
While several Xbox studios regained independence or found new owners yesterday, Arkane's staff must negotiate their own future
Xbox has announced significant restructuring, spinning off five studios and implementing widespread layoffs. While some studios regain independence or find new owners, the fate of Arkane Studios, specifically Arkane Lyon in France, remains undecided as negotiations involving Microsoft, studio management, and employee representatives are ongoing. This situation highlights differing labor law protections between France and the US, with Arkane Lyon's future potentially involving sale, management buyout, or closure.
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.
The games industry reacts to Xbox layoffs: 'We are clearly at a turning point'
Microsoft's Xbox division has announced significant layoffs, impacting approximately 3,200 employees and leading to the closure or restructuring of four game studios. This move has drawn widespread reactions from industry figures, expressing shock, sorrow, and anger, with many calling it a turning point for the game industry. The layoffs occur amidst Microsoft's continued investment in artificial intelligence, a decision that has drawn criticism for its perceived prioritization over game development talent.
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.
Arkane founder asks Xbox CEO "how much" Microsoft wants for the studio: "I'm asking for a…
Original Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio inquired about the potential sale price of the studio amidst Xbox's cost-cutting measures and planned divestments. Microsoft is reportedly exploring strategic options for Arkane, which could lead to its separation from Xbox, similar to other studios like Ninja Theory and Double Fine. Colantonio, who left Arkane in 2017 to form WolfeEye Studios, has previously been critical of Xbox's strategy and decisions, including the closure of Arkane Austin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
