Fans waiting on Marvel's Blade have a bit more reason for hope. Microsoft has confirmed it is giving developer Arkane Lyon an extra month to find a partner to help finish the game, extending a consultation period that had put the studio's future, and Blade's, in serious doubt.
The deadline has moved from November 13 to December 13. In a statement, Microsoft explained "We have extended the consultation period by one additional month as we explore options, including finding a partner to support the studio through the development work still ahead. This is a defined extension, and we remain committed to keeping the Works Council informed throughout the process."
What Is Going On With Arkane Lyon
Arkane Lyon, the French studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, was among the teams Xbox set out to divest during a major restructuring of the business over the summer. Under French law, Microsoft is required to look for a buyer before closing a studio of this size, which kicked off a formal consultation process with staff representatives. Roughly 217 jobs are at stake.
The studio's unions had asked for more time to explore a sale and work through redundancy talks, and Microsoft has now granted it. The company has also said the closure documents filed during the process are part of the required procedure and not a final decision.
How Close Is Marvel's Blade?
Marvel's Blade was announced at The Game Awards in December 2023 with a short teaser set in Paris, and it moved into full production the following year. Todd Howard praised the work being done on the game earlier this year.
According to a union representative at the studio, the game is nearing the end of production, and they said it would be a "monumental waste" if it never came out. Microsoft has previously said it is seeking a partner to support the next phase of development and help bring the game to market, which suggests a deal could involve another publisher stepping in to fund Blade's completion.
Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier has also sounded optimistic. He wrote that "there are multiple paths actively being explored that would save Arkane Lyon," adding that he would "be surprised if the studio is shut down." He also noted that whatever happens, he does not expect Arkane to stay part of Xbox.
Blade's Rough Road On Screen
The uncertainty around the game is especially frustrating for fans of the Daywalker, who have also been waiting years for his return to the big screen. Marvel Studios announced its Blade reboot starring Mahershala Ali at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, but the project went through several directors and rewrites before being pulled from Marvel's release schedule, and it still has no release date.
Ali did get a brief voice cameo as Blade in the post-credits scene of Eternals, but that has been the extent of his time in the role so far. Wesley Snipes, meanwhile, made a surprise return as his version of the character in Deadpool and Wolverine, reminding fans just how much they want to see more of the vampire hunter.
With the movie stuck in limbo, Arkane's game has been one of the best chances for Blade to get a big new project. Arkane's track record with stealthy, choice-driven action also makes it a natural fit for a character who stalks vampires through the shadows.
A Tough Year For Xbox Studios
Arkane Lyon is far from the only team caught up in the changes at Xbox under CEO Asha Sharma. The division has planned around 3,200 job cuts, Double Fine, Compulsion Games and Undead Labs have gone independent, and Ninja Theory looks set to close.
Arkane already lost its Austin studio in 2024, when Microsoft closed the team behind Redfall. Losing Lyon would mean the end of one of the most respected names in immersive sims, which is why so many fans are watching the December 13 deadline closely.
Would you rather see Blade's next big outing come from Arkane's game, or from Marvel Studios finally getting the movie made?
Sound off with your thoughts in the comments below.