Arkane Lyon Given More Time To Find Buyer

Arkane Lyon was subjected to the same problems that arose earlier in the year with the huge Reset that Asha Sharma was introducing, cutting costs, staff, and chunk of studios. While they’ve been trying to find a buyer, it seems no one is biting and rather than leaving them up to dry, XBOX is giving them more time.

At this time, a report from Le Monde indicated that they had until November 13 to find a new buyer to take the responsibility of its 200~ person team and potentially Marvel’s Blade, though I wouldn’t be surprised if that would end up canceled post-purchase. Since the report, Microsoft has confirmed to PC Gamer that the consultation period was extended to “explore options.”

“We have extended the consultation period by one additional month as we explore options, including finding a partner to support the studio through the development work still ahead. This is a defined extension, and we remain committed to keeping the Works Council informed throughout the process.”

It’s interesting they’re choosing to extend the deadline, as they don’t have to, but I suspect this is a gesture of good graces here or at the very least a way to save face. Presumably, after the added month is up and if they can’t find a buyer, they’ll probably just have to close the studio.

The studios hit the hardest with the Reset are Arkane Lyon, Undead Labs, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory. Some went indie, like Undead Labs and Double Fine, while Ninja Theory faced closure after being unable to find a buyer. It seems like Arkane here is gonna face a similar situation.

As to why they didn’t do that to begin with, like they wanted to initially, it boils down to French law. Unlike a lot of the studios affected in the Reset, Arkane Lyon is based in France, which has a law that requires companies with more than 1,000 employees to seek a buyer before closing a business.