IT News on November 4th: Bloomberg reported today that Ubisoft (Ubisoft) has submitted a takeover bid to Microsoft, hoping to acquire Arkane Lyon, the developer of "Stitcher" (Dishonored) and "Deathloop" (Deathloop).

In addition to Ubisoft, at least two other game companies have submitted acquisition bids to Microsoft, and the future ownership of Arkane Lyon is still uncertain at this time.

Microsoft is seeking to divest itself of its French game studio Arkane Lyon. Ubisoft is currently the only bidder mentioned in public reports, while the identities of the other two game companies participating in the bidding have not been disclosed, nor have the transaction prices and specific terms been made public.

This sale plan is part of the business restructuring driven by Xbox's Chief Executive Officer, Asha Sharma. Xbox previously initiated a large-scale layoff and made adjustments to several of its game studios; some studios were merged or scaled down, while others sought to be sold or operate independently.

Bloomberg also noted that Microsoft is considering other options, including selling Arkane Lyon to the current management of the studio. If this plan is ultimately implemented, Arkane Lyon will become an independent game developer, with a business model similar to that of Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games, which were previously spun off from Xbox.

Arkane Lyon is currently developing a Marvel superhero game called "Marvel Blade Runner" (Note from IT: This project was announced in 2023, and Microsoft had not previously announced any cancellation of the project). However, with the potential change in ownership of the studio, there is still uncertainty regarding the subsequent development and release arrangements for the game. Microsoft has also stated that they are looking for partners to support the studio in completing the further development of the game and to facilitate its commercial release.

Prior to this, French media Le Monde ( Le Monde ) reported that Microsoft was seeking new buyers for the studio, with the jobs of approximately 217 employees at risk. Microsoft subsequently extended the deadline for related negotiations, which was originally set for November 13th, by one month in order to continue exploring options such as selling the studio and finding development partners for "Marvel Blade Runner."

At the same time, Ubisoft itself is currently undergoing business restructuring. Previously, it has closed some studios, laid off employees, and canceled multiple gaming projects. Therefore, even if Ubisoft successfully acquires Arkane Lyon, the future staffing arrangements and project planning for the studio remain to be seen.

Related Reading:

• Microsoft relinquishes ownership of Marvel's Blade developer, granting it an extra month to find a buyer.
• The game is nearly finished, but the studio is closing down? <Marvel: Blade Runner> faces its most brutal countdown
• It is reported that B社's "Marvel Blade Runner" will be released in 2027.
• New trailer released: Arkane Lyon Studio is developing a "Marvel Blade Runner" game