French Union Accuses Microsoft of Sabotaging Arkane Studios, Calls for Protection of Marvel’s Blade Developers

Microsoft is still looking for a buyer for Arkane, the studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, but time to reach a deal is running out. Amid the uncertainty, French game workers’ union Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) has accused Microsoft’s gaming division of effectively sabotaging the studio and its new game, Marvel’s Blade.

“Arkane is profitable. Just not profitable enough for Microsoft.”

In an open letter, union representatives said development of Marvel’s Blade is progressing well and that its quality meets the high standards players have come to expect from Arkane. Even so, employees fear the studio could close, and a Microsoft decision could put at risk a game the company itself previously funded.

STJV believes a 19-month hiring freeze contributed to the problems. The union says the freeze artificially slowed development and led to additional costs. Its representatives also believe closing Arkane at this stage would likely cost Microsoft more than completing Marvel’s Blade.

STJV is calling for Arkane to remain open so the team can finish and release Marvel’s Blade and continue working on future projects. If no buyer is found, the union wants Microsoft to pay each employee approximately $225,000 in compensation and provide additional social protections after dismissal.

STJV also criticized Microsoft’s financial policy, saying the possible closure of Arkane is driven by the company’s pursuit of constant profit optimization.