Microsoft extends Arkane Lyon consultation by one month as it seeks a buyer

Microsoft has extended the consultation period over Arkane Lyon by one month. The studio is still working on Marvel's Blade, and Microsoft is looking for a new buyer. The consultation was originally due to conclude on November 13. The source does not state the new date.

A Microsoft representative confirmed the extension to PC Gamer, calling it a defined extension and saying the company will keep the Works Council informed. Arkane Studios' Social and Economic Committee has been in consultation with Microsoft since July. That is when Xbox announced it would divest the studio as part of its ongoing reset.

A representative of the trade union Printemps Écologique told Le Monde that negotiations on the redundancy plan are going badly. The representative said a divestiture contradicts what the Works Council has been told for years about the company's finances. They also argued that the plan must reflect a video game market where prospects for returning to work are extremely limited. Le Monde's report was relayed by Gematsu and IGN.

Le Monde also reported that several forms of takeover are being considered. It cited an internal report saying the project for the complete and definitive cessation of the company's activities is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026 and run into the first quarter of 2027. Microsoft did not respond directly to Le Monde's report.

Microsoft's statement to IGN says it continues to explore different options for Arkane within the French consultation process. It says it is actively seeking a partner to support the next phase of development and enable commercialisation of the project. Readers following the studio should treat the outcome as undecided until Microsoft or a buyer announces something.