Marvel's Blade Nearly Done, But Arkane Studio May Close

Arkane Studios' Marvel's Blade is reportedly close to completion, yet Microsoft is seeking buyers for the studio as a consultation period ends November 13, with around 217 jobs at risk.

Here's a story that's equal parts exciting and worrying. According to French newspaper Le Monde, Marvel's Blade is apparently almost finished—but the studio making it, Arkane Studios, might be on its way out.

Back in July, Xbox announced plans to spin off Arkane Studios. The consultation process tied to the proposed closure wraps up on November 13, and Microsoft is reportedly weighing "several forms of acquisition." In plain terms: they're looking for someone to take the studio off their hands.

The search for a buyer kicked off this summer. Under French law, companies with at least 1,000 employees must look for a buyer in certain closure scenarios involving mass layoffs. The November 13 deadline marks the end of consultations with Arkane Studios' Social and Economic Committee, with around 217 positions at risk. That info comes from Le Monde's reporting and union statements—not from Arkane Studios directly.

Microsoft told the outlet it is "actively looking for a partner to support the next phase of development and to commercialize the Marvel's Blade project." Arkane Studios, the team behind Dishonored and Deathloop, announced Marvel's Blade back in 2023. One union rep told Le Monde the game is "nearly complete" and that not releasing it "would be a huge waste." The French video game workers' union also said it's proud of the work done and believes the game would succeed if it launches.

So far, neither Microsoft nor Arkane has shared any details about potential buyers. We'll have to wait until after the consultation period ends on November 13 for the picture to get clearer.

It's a bittersweet situation—a seemingly finished game stuck in limbo while the people who made it face an uncertain future. Fingers crossed a partner steps up and both the studio and Blade get the ending they deserve.

What do you think—should Microsoft find a buyer, or is there another way forward for Arkane? Drop your thoughts in the comments.