The French union STJV has accused Xbox of intentionally sabotaging the development of Marvel’s Blade by targeting its studio, Arkane Lyon, for closure. The union claims Xbox created conditions to justify shutting down the studio, jeopardizing the game.
Xbox’s Hiring Freeze Created Delays, Union Argues
Arkane Lyon faces closure unless it finds a buyer by mid-December. STJV alleges Xbox’s 19-month hiring freeze caused unnecessary costs and delays. Xbox now uses those same delays as a reason to close the studio, the union said.
“Arkane Lyon is profitable, but not profitable enough for Xbox, which wants to see maximum profit,” the union stated. According to the STJV, the development of Marvel’s Blade is going in the right direction and will have the quality gamers may expect from Arkane, but the studio’s closure now puts the project at risk.
The STJV has demanded Xbox provide €200,000 in severance pay and two years of outplacement support for every employee if the studio closes, fully funded by Xbox. The union also wants a say in choosing a buyer if the studio is sold.
Arkane Lyon will shut down if it can’t find a buyer by November 13. The studio behind Marvel’s Blade has until then to find a buyer or approximately 217 employees could lose their jobs. pic.twitter.com/YhMIFF3le7
A Stakes Race for a New Owner
Arkane Lyon has a deadline of mid-December to find a new owner. Should it fail, the studio will likely shut down, and with it, Marvel’s Blade.
The union’s allegations point to a deliberate strategy. By halting hiring for 19 months, Xbox allowed costs to escalate, creating a financial pretext for closure. The STJV believes the move was not about the studio’s performance but about its profit margins not meeting Xbox’s corporate targets.
Union Claims Xbox Is Killing Blade
A union claims Xbox is killing Marvel’s Blade by strangling its studio with delays. The studio has weeks to survive.
Broader Implications
The STJV’s demands reflect a concern for worker rights in the face of the studio’s closure.
What Happens Next for Marvel’s Blade
The immediate future of Marvel’s Blade hinges on whether Arkane Lyon can find a buyer in the coming weeks. The STJV is pushing Xbox to guarantee the welfare of the studio’s employees and to ensure the project’s continuity.
Should the studio close, Marvel’s Blade would very likely face cancellation. The fate of the game is now directly tied to the survival of the studio.
