Business · Companies · 8 hrs ago
Arkane union accuses Microsoft of causing delays before possible studio closure
French union STJV accuses Microsoft of causing delays at Arkane Lyon by freezing hiring for 19 months.
The union says those delays and added costs are now being used to justify closing the studio, which is making Marvel’s Blade.
STJV says Blade is progressing well and is expected to meet Arkane’s usual quality.
Arkane Lyon has 217 staff, as well as contractors and freelancers, who could lose their work if the studio closes.
The union wants workers involved in choosing a buyer and a fund to protect staff laid off within two years of a sale.
If the studio shuts, it is seeking €200,000 in redundancy pay per worker and two years of Microsoft-funded job support.
Arkane’s future is still unresolved: Microsoft’s sale deadline has been extended to December 13, and Ubisoft is reportedly seeking to buy the studio.
The French game union STJV accused Microsoft of causing delays to Marvel’s Blade through a 19-month hiring freeze and then using those delays to justify closing Arkane Lyon.
The union said Blade’s development was going well and its quality was in line with Arkane’s previous games.
It argued that closing the studio could cost more than allowing it to finish the game.
STJV called for workers to have a say in choosing a potential buyer and demanded protections if the studio closes or a new owner lays off staff.
Arkane Lyon’s future remains unresolved, and a report said Ubisoft is seeking to acquire the studio.
- Who
- The French game union STJV and Microsoft. STJV represents workers at Arkane Lyon.
- What
- STJV accused Microsoft of using delays allegedly caused by a hiring freeze to justify closing Arkane Lyon. The union called for worker protections and a say in any sale.
- When
- STJV issued its statement on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Arkane Lyon, in Lyon, France.
- Why
- STJV says a 19-month hiring freeze caused delays and extra costs that Microsoft is citing as economic grounds for closure.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Arkane became part of Microsoft through its acquisition of ZeniMax.
Xbox closed Arkane’s Austin studio.
Microsoft set a deadline for a sale of Arkane Lyon, according to GamesIndustry.biz.
A Microsoft representative later said the sale deadline had been extended by a month.
STJV accused Microsoft of causing Blade delays through a hiring freeze and using them to justify closing Arkane Lyon.
- Hiring freeze
- 19 months
- Arkane Lyon staff
- 217
- Redundancy payment sought
- €200,000 per worker
- Redeployment support sought
- Two years, funded by Microsoft
- Extended sale deadline
- December 13
3 sources
What people are saying
After freezing hiring for 19 months, which artificially caused delays and additional cost, Microsoft now uses those same delays and additional costs as a reason to close down the studio.
Arkane is profitable. Just not profitable enough for Microsoft
closing the studio now "would probably be more expensive than finishing the game.