Marvel's Blade gets a stay of execution: Microsoft has extended the deadline for Arkane Lyon's future by a month. That leaves more time to find a buyer or partner. For me, it all comes down to one question: what happens to the vampire hunter game?

Microsoft extends the deadline for Arkane Lyon

In July 2026, Microsoft launched a consultation process with employee representatives at Arkane Studios in Lyon to review strategic options for the studio. Under French law, alternatives have to be explored in a case like this before a site can be closed.

Now a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed that this period has been extended by another month. Microsoft wants to use the time to review options, including a partner that would support the studio in further development. According to Microsoft, the documents filed so far regarding a possible closure are not a final decision.

For the staff, it's at least a breather. For months, the team has been working under the uncertainty of whether the studio will still exist next year. Arkane Lyon has been part of Microsoft since the ZeniMax acquisition and is one of France's best-known studios. A sale or partnership would send an important signal to the industry there.

What's known and what isn't

The extension itself has been confirmed by Microsoft. Other details so far come only from media reports: according to them, the new deadline runs until mid-November, and around 200 jobs in Lyon would be affected. These reports also say unions are campaigning to keep the studio open. These figures have not been officially confirmed.

It also remains unclear how far along development of Marvel's Blade is. Reports on this contradict each other, and there's no official statement from Bethesda or Marvel Games.

What happens to Marvel's Blade?

Marvel's Blade was announced at The Game Awards in December 2023. The single-player action game sends you through a dark version of Paris as the half-vampire Eric Brooks. It's being developed by Arkane Lyon and published by Bethesda Softworks. There's still no release date. To this day, neither the official announcement from Bethesda nor Marvel's game page mentions platforms or a release window.

Since the reveal trailer, there have been hardly any signs of life. The project hasn't appeared at Xbox or Bethesda showcases since, and gameplay footage has never been shown. That's consistent with a game that's still far from release, but it makes predictions difficult.

The game hasn't been officially canceled. Still, I see the extension as a good sign: if Microsoft is actively looking for a partner, Marvel's Blade at least has a real chance. If nobody is found, things look grim for the project.

My take

With Dishonored and Deathloop, Arkane Lyon made two of the most stylish games of recent years. That's exactly why it would be a loss if the project never comes out. A studio with this signature style and a Marvel license like Blade is a rare combination, and a new partner would gain experienced developers in the Lyon team. I hope a partner turns up in the coming weeks and we get to play the game after all.

You'll find everything known so far about the game in our preview of the vampire hunter. More news is waiting on the PlayInsider homepage.

Marvel's Blade trailer