The gaming world is reeling from a bombshell report suggesting that Microsoft might be pulling the plug on Marvel’s Blade and closing its developer, Arkane. This news comes as part of a broader restructuring effort within Xbox, potentially impacting numerous studios and hundreds of jobs.
A Dark Day for Blade Fans
According to According to The Verge“>The Verge, Microsoft is reportedly considering shuttering at least five studios, including Arkane, the studio behind the highly anticipated Blade game. Originally slated for a 2026 release, the project has allegedly been delayed to late 2027 and is significantly over budget. This news casts a shadow on what was shaping up to be a major addition to Xbox’s growing library of exclusive titles.
Just last month, reports surfaced suggesting that Marvel’s Blade was not canceled“>Marvel’s Blade had not been cancelled, despite its conspicuous absence from the recent Xbox Games Showcase. The game, announced in 2023“>announced back in 2023, has remained shrouded in secrecy, with no gameplay footage ever released to the public. This lack of visibility, coupled with the latest reports, paints a grim picture for the future of this project.
The possibility of selling Arkane Studios is also being explored, although The Verge’s report doesn’t mention any potential buyers. This follows previous reports indicating that Microsoft is looking to offload other studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs“>Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs.
“If buyers are found for these studios, then they’ll avoid being closed, but sources stress these talks could take months in some cases,” The Verge reported. This suggests that the fate of these studios, including Arkane, remains uncertain and is subject to ongoing negotiations.
Arkane’s Legacy and Redfall’s Shadow
Marvel’s Blade is currently in development at Arkane’s studio in Lyon, France. It’s important to remember that Arkane is the team behind critically acclaimed titles like Dishonored and Prey. The US-based counterpart of Arkane in Austin, Texas – the studio responsible for the recent Xbox exclusive Redfall – was unfortunately closed down earlier this year. Microsoft acquired the Arkane teams as part of its acquisition of ZeniMax years ago.
Layoffs Imminent
The report also sheds light on the upcoming job cuts within Xbox, stating that they will begin on July 6 and “hit most parts of Xbox.” Unconfirmed reports suggest these layoffs could affect up to 1,000 employees. If the five studios are indeed closed, it would represent a significant loss of at least 500 jobs. This wave of restructuring is part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s plan to “reset” the Xbox business and position it as the “No. 2 gaming and entertainment company.” The future remains uncertain for both Arkane and the broader Xbox ecosystem.
Source: GameSpot
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