Ubisoft and Other Bidders Seek to Acquire Arkane from Xbox

Microsoft is seeking to divest developer Arkane Studios as part of a ongoing reset at Xbox, according to reporting by Bloomberg. Ubisoft and at least two other unnamed gaming companies have submitted bids for the studio, Engadget, Destructoid, Rock Paper Shotgun, and Kotaku reported. Kotaku and Rock Paper Shotgun also reported that Microsoft is exploring a potential sale of the developer back to its own management team. [1][2][3][4][6]

The prospective acquisition aims to avoid a complete shutdown of the studio. Kotaku reported that if Microsoft and potential buyers cannot reach an agreement, a total studio closure remains possible. Rock Paper Shotgun reported that the deadline to complete a sale for the developer is set for December 13, 2026. [3][4]

Arkane Studios was founded in 1999 and is based in Lyon, France. The developer released its first title, Arx Fatalis, in 2002 and later created the Dishonored series and Deathloop. The studio is currently developing Marvel's Blade, an action-adventure game centered on comic book character Eric Brooks attempting to stop a vampiric invasion in Paris. French publisher Ubisoft is headquartered in Saint-Mande and maintains game franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs. [10][11][12]

Engadget noted that Arkane was previously rumored for potential closure or project cancellation following widespread layoffs at Xbox in July. Destructoid, Kotaku, Polygon, GamesRadar+, and IGN reported that interest from Ubisoft and rival bidders could allow the studio to complete development on its in-progress Marvel's Blade project. [1][2][4][5][8][9]