A union accuses Microsoft of doing everything in its power to sabotage development of Marvel's Blade
, by Thibaut
The situation surrounding the future of Arkane Studios remains tense. No decision is expected before December 13, but several potential buyers (including Ubisoft) have reportedly already expressed interest. However, the STJV (Video Game Workers’ Union) has launched a scathing attack against Microsoft in a press release.
The STJV accuses the company of deliberately sabotaging the development of Marvel’s Blade. Specifically, Microsoft allegedly froze the studio’s hiring for 19 months, causing delays and cost overruns. The American giant then allegedly used this economic rationale to justify its decision to shut down the French developer.
Furthermore, Arkane’s previous games, some of which sold several million copies, are not included in the company’s financial results. The studio’s cash flow is reportedly being drained by a cash pooling mechanism that funnels funds back to the parent company.
Finally, the STJV asserts that canceling Marvel’s Blade and closing the studio would now cost more than completing the game’s production. The union adds that "the decision to close Arkane is, in their view, nothing more than the brutal application of a profit-maximization strategy."
If no serious takeover offer is accepted, Arkane Lyon will close permanently, resulting in the layoff of 217 employees.
Source: stjv.fr