Microsoft kan stenge ned flere Xbox Studios – inkludert Arkane, noe som kan føre til at Marvel’s Blade kanselleres.

Ahead of the anticipated major layoffs within Xbox studios, Microsoft is considering shutting down several gaming divisions. A new report sheds light on one well-known studio that could be at risk—currently working on a game based on Marvel comics.

There have been previous reports indicating that studios like Ninja Theory (known for the Hellblade game series), Compulsion Games (South of Midnight), and more recently Undead Labs (State of Decay series) could be affected by upcoming layoffs within Xbox. This will undoubtedly impact the development of their future projects, including the recently revealed Senua and State of Decay 3. Meanwhile, Tom Warren from The Verge has published a new report stating that at least five game studios might be shut down by Microsoft's decision, with Arkane potentially among them. Arkane is currently working on Marvel's Blade, which was announced back in 2023. The report also mentions that these closures might be avoided if the company is sold; however, if that doesn't happen, Arkane Studios could face closure and Marvel's Blade would be cancelled. Some words from Warren’s report you can check out below:

“I understand Microsoft is currently weighing closing at least five studios, including the developers behind Marvel’s Blade. 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.

Developed by France-based Arkane Studios, best-known for the Dishonored series, Blade was originally supposed to debut later this year according to sources familiar with the game’s development. I’m told the internal ship date for the game slipped to late 2027, and it’s also running over budget.”

This isn't the first time we’ve heard rumors about the potential shutdown of Arkane Studios, especially regarding the cancellation of Marvel’s Blade. Previously, gaming journalist Jeff Grubb mentioned the possibility of the project being scrapped, though he later retracted his statements. Moreover, Bethesda’s head, Todd Howard, recently visited the Arkane office personally and confirmed that work on the game is progressing well. Most likely, in the coming weeks, we’ll get a definitive update on the fate of Marvel’s Blade and its developers, Arkane Studios.

Are you disappointed that Microsoft may shut down Arkane Studios and, as a result, Marvel’s Blade will be cancelled? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Marvel’s Blade is in development for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 with the release date is currently unknown.