Ubisoft has reportedly been identified as a potential buyer for Arkane, although the Dishonored studio's own management may also be considered a possible acquirer.
Ubisoft has bid for Arkane as Xbox explores sale or management buyout. A Dec 13 French deadline affects studio stability and its Blade game release.
Background: Microsoft’s Xbox cuts put Arkane on the block
Arkane’s potential sale is part of a broader round of cuts, sales and closures at Microsoft. In July, it was announced that Double Fine, Undead Labs and Compulsion would no longer be part of Xbox, and all three studios would go indie. Ninja Theory was also included in the cuts, with reports suggesting it may shut its doors. Thousands of Xbox staff were laid off around the same time, followed by more layoffs in September, and the report said further layoffs were expected in the month of the report and in January.
How the Arkane sale process developed
According to Bloomberg, sources have said that Ubisoft, the Assassin's Creed developer, is interested in buying Arkane from Microsoft and has already made a bid. Bloomberg also said two other gaming companies have made bids. There is also the possibility that Arkane could be sold to its own management, and Xbox are considering that path as well.
The report did not point to a clear front-runner. Xbox have not formalised a deal with any potential buyer, and the process was described as still exploring options.
A sale would matter for the future of Arkane’s Blade game. Bloomberg said that if a deal is made, it should allow Arkane to finish its work on the game, which is expected to release within the next couple of years.
The December 13 deadline and the French labour-law context
An Xbox spokesperson told Bloomberg that the company is exploring options ahead of its December deadline, but declined to comment further. Ubisoft reportedly had no comment on the matter.
The deadline is tied to French labour laws. The report said companies with over 1000 staff members are required to search for a buyer for three months before they can completely shut down. That makes December 13 the final date for a deal to be made, leaving about a month and a half at the time of the report.
Where things stand now
At the latest stage described by the report, Arkane remains unsold, Xbox are still weighing options, and several buyers are still in play. The immediate consequence for readers is uncertainty: the buyer chosen will shape the studio’s future, while a completed deal could provide the stability needed for the Blade game to continue toward a release in the next couple of years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is reported to be interested in buying Arkane?
Bloomberg reports that Ubisoft, the developer of Assassin's Creed, is interested in buying Arkane from Microsoft and has already made a bid. Two other gaming companies have also reportedly made bids, and there is a possibility that Arkane could be sold to its own management.
Has Microsoft already agreed to sell Arkane?
No. The report says Xbox has not formalized a deal with any potential buyer and is still exploring options. It also says there is no clear front-runner, and Arkane remains unsold at the latest stage described.
Why is December 13 mentioned as a deadline?
The deadline is tied to French labour laws. The report says companies with more than 1,000 staff members are required to search for a buyer for three months before they can completely shut down. December 13 is described as the final date for a deal to be made.
What does a possible sale mean for Arkane’s Blade game?
The report says a sale would matter for the future of Arkane’s Blade game. If a deal is made, it should allow Arkane to finish its work on the game, which is expected to release within the next couple of years.
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