Arkane Studios and Blade might get cut after all

In recent weeks, we have heard an increasing number of worrying reports concerning Xbox and its supposed plans to hold major rounds of firing – possibly resulting in the closure of multiple studios. While nothing official has come to pass, insiders have claimed that one of the projects potentially being affected is Arkane Studios’ much-anticipated Blade.

July looks set to be the time in which Microsoft will finally make its official decision on the fates of many of its studios, following the past few weeks of reports in which it was claimed that the likes of Double Fine Productions; Ninja Theory; Compulsion Games and others could be on the chipping block.

One studio whose name has also been thrown about is Arkane Lyon. Known for developing the Dishonored series; Deathloop and NOT Redfall, the France-based team have been working on Marvel’s Blade since early 2022.

Unfortunately, despite recent claims which seemed to suggest otherwise, it appears as though Arkane and Blade are potentially being shut down and cancelled respectively.

According to known industry insider Tom Warren via The Verge, “Microsoft is currently weighing closing at least five studios, including the developers behind Marvel's Blade,” adding that “Sources tell me Microsoft wants to cancel Blade as part of a wave of cost cuts and job losses that are planned for the company's Xbox gaming division.”

As per the report, Blade was internally delayed to late 2027, and was suffering from some budget-related issues – though it is not clear whether this is the reason for the potential decision.

Either way, it looks as though Microsoft are still willing to try and sell off these studios – Arkane included – and so hopefully all of these teams are able to stay together in one form or another.

KitGuru says: Have you been looking forward to Blade? How disappointed would you be if Arkane were to close down? Let us know down below.

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