Arkane Lyon gets one more month to find a buyer

Arkane Lyon has been handed a stay of execution. Microsoft has extended the studio’s deadline by a month, giving it until December 13 to find a buyer or partner before it shuts down.

The earlier reported date was November 13, which was uncomfortably close. Microsoft couldn’t close the studio straight away because French labour law requires a consultation period first, and that process is the only reason Arkane Lyon is still open. Other studios caught up in Xbox’s layoffs this year, which have affected around 3,200 people, have already had their fates decided.

In its statement, Microsoft said it extended the period while it explores options, including finding a partner to support the studio through the development work still ahead. It also called this a “defined extension”, so I wouldn’t expect another one. Microsoft added that it will keep the Works Council informed throughout.

What happens to Marvel’s Blade?

Nobody knows yet what this means for Marvel’s Blade, the game Arkane Lyon has been working on. If a buyer doesn’t step in by December 13, its future looks bleak.

For now, the studio has one more month. That’s all.