Ubisoft Linked to Potential Acquisition of Arkane Lyon Studio

The French video game developer Arkane Lyon is currently navigating a period of significant instability as it faces a potential closure under its parent company, Microsoft. Amidst this restructuring, reports have emerged identifying Ubisoft as a potential suitor for the studio, which is known for developing titles such as Dishonored and Prey, as well as the upcoming Marvel’s Blade.

The Syndicat des travailleureuses du jeu vidéo (STJV), a union representing workers at Arkane Lyon, has publicly criticized Microsoft for its handling of the studio. The union alleges that Microsoft is actively sabotaging the development of Marvel’s Blade, a project the union claims is progressing well and meeting expected quality standards. According to the STJV, a 19-month hiring freeze imposed by Microsoft created artificial delays and increased costs, which the tech giant is now citing as justification for the studio's potential closure.

Microsoft had initially set a deadline of November 13 for finding a buyer for the studio, a date that has reportedly been extended to December 13. While Ubisoft has been mentioned in reports as a party interested in the developer, no formal agreement has been confirmed. The union has emphasized that employees should have a voice in the selection of any future owner to ensure the stability of the workforce.

In addition to concerns over the studio's future, the union has argued that the financial logic behind a potential closure is flawed. The STJV asserts that the costs associated with shutting down the studio, including proposed redundancy payments of €200,000 per worker and two years of redeployment support, would likely exceed the investment required to complete and release Marvel’s Blade. The union described the situation as a pursuit of short-term financial goals at the expense of the studio's long-term viability.

Separately, Ubisoft has been active in updating its existing library. The company recently released a significant free update for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which introduces features such as New Game+ and an enhanced progression mode. The update also integrates improved PSSR technology for the PlayStation 5 Pro, allowing for higher image quality and a stable 60 frames per second in the game's Quality mode.

Priscilla Nguyen, an engineering studio manager at Ubisoft, noted that the team successfully integrated these technical improvements into the existing rendering pipeline without needing to rebuild visual assets. These updates aim to provide a more stable visual experience across the game's various environments, from the mountains of Norway to the landscapes of England, ensuring that the title remains current for players on newer hardware.