Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Arkane Lyon’s future remains uncertain as 217 jobs are at risk
Microsoft plans to close Arkane Lyon, the French game studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, putting 217 jobs at risk.
The studio is part of Microsoft’s Xbox division, which inherited it when Microsoft acquired ZeniMax in 2021.
French law requires large companies to seek a buyer for three months before closing a workplace, so negotiations over the studio’s future are still under way.
Reports say several takeover options are being considered, but no deal has been announced.
The consultation deadline is November 13, leaving little time to reach an agreement or another arrangement.
Microsoft says it is seeking a partner for the next phase of Marvel’s Blade and its commercial release; union representatives say production is nearing completion.
The outcome could affect both the 217 jobs and the game’s future, but the next step depends on the negotiations.
Microsoft plans to close Arkane Lyon, putting 217 jobs at risk.
The Lyon studio is known for games including Dishonored and Deathloop.
French law requires companies with more than 1,000 employees to seek a buyer for three months before closing a site.
Unions say the search for a buyer and consultations are under way, with a deadline of November 13.
Microsoft says it is actively seeking a partner for the next phase of Marvel’s Blade and its commercial release.
- Who
- Microsoft plans to close Arkane Lyon, putting 217 jobs at risk. Unions representing workers are seeking a way to preserve the studio and its jobs.
- What
- The company is pursuing the closure of the Lyon game studio while negotiations and a search for a buyer take place.
- When
- Microsoft informed Arkane staff of the closure plan on July 16, according to Le Monde. The consultation deadline is November 13.
- Where
- Arkane Lyon, in Lyon, France.
- Why
- The sources do not state Microsoft’s reason for planning the closure.
Microsoft
Arkane unions
Arkane’s future
Microsoft
Microsoft says it is actively seeking a partner to support the next phase of Marvel’s Blade and enable its commercial release.
Arkane unions
The unions oppose the planned closure and want Arkane’s work to continue.
Microsoft’s approach
Microsoft
Microsoft says it is seeking a partner during the process.
Arkane unions
A union representative described the closure decision as incoherent, and unions criticised Microsoft’s attitude as disrespectful.
Xbox chief executive Asha Sharma announced about 1,600 job cuts and the planned abandonment of four studios, while Arkane was to examine strategic options.
Arkane’s management informed staff that Microsoft planned to close the studio, according to Le Monde.
Xbox said consultations about Arkane’s future were expected to continue through the end of the year.
The deadline for consultations with Arkane’s Social and Economic Committee is due to fall.
- Jobs at risk
- 217
- Studio
- Arkane Lyon, France
- Deadline
- November 13
- French law
- Companies with more than 1,000 staff must seek a buyer for three months before closing a site
- Game in production
- Marvel’s Blade
- Games associated with Arkane
- Dishonored and Deathloop
3 sources
Arkane Devs Say Blade Is Nearly Finished But If It Can’t Find A Buyer Soon, The Studio Will Close
Arkane survival negotiations reportedly seeing "several forms of takeover" considered ahead of November deadline, as Marvel's Blade production nears end
Microsoft veut fermer Arkane, studio de jeu vidéo lyonnais, où 217 emplois sont menacés
What people are saying
actively seeking a partner to support the next phase of development and enable the commercialisation of the [Marvel’s Blade] project
incoherent
nearing the end