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It’s been years since we heard word of Marvel’s Blade, the next game from French dev Arkane Studios.
Unfortunately, our next update could be a cancellation and the closure of the Dishonored dev.
The Verge (paywalled) reports that Microsoft “wants” to cancel the action-adventure game as part of a wave of cuts, which could also see four other studios either shuttered, spun-off, or sold.
As has previously been reported, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs all find themselves in precarious positions.
According to this latest report, the future looks bleak for Compulsion Games, as staff at the South of Midnight maker have already been told to look for new work.
The status of Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane Studios is currently less clear, although the full picture should emerge on 6th July, when more information is set to be revealed.
The “largest single layoff event in gaming history” has been hinted at by people in the know, and The Verge reports 1,000 jobs could be cut. Outrageously, that’s not accounting for the 500 or so employees that work at the abovementioned studios.
On the subject of Marvel’s Blade, the game was apparently intended to launch this year, but is purportedly running behind schedule and over budget. A late 2027 release date is now expected should the project survive.
Earlier in the month, Bethesda’s Todd Howard said “the folks [at Arkane] are doing a really, really great job”.
While never officially confirmed for the PS5, it always seemed likely Marvel’s Blade would find an audience on Sony’s console – especially given the popularity of other superhero franchises on the format.
Bethesda never officially ruled anything out.