Microsoft Considering Canceling Marvel's Blade Game and Closing

A new report claims that Microsoft is considering cancelling the upcoming Marvel's Blade game and closing its developer.

Microsoft is reportedly contemplating the cancellation of the highly anticipated Marvel's Blade game and the potential closure of Arkane, one of its studios. Originally scheduled for a 2026 release, the game has been delayed to late 2027 and has exceeded its budget. Despite not appearing at the Xbox Games Showcase, the game was confirmed to be in development in 2023, with no gameplay footage released to date. The Verge's report also suggests that Microsoft is exploring the sale of Arkane Studios, along with other studios like Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, to avoid closure.

Arkane, the developer behind Marvel's Blade, is based in Lyon, France, following the closure of its US-based studio in Austin, Texas, known for Redfall. Microsoft's acquisition of Arkane's parent company ZeniMax included the Arkane teams. The report further mentions upcoming job cuts at Xbox, set to begin on July 6 and potentially affecting around 1,000 employees. These changes align with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's strategy to revamp the Xbox business and position it as a leading gaming and entertainment company.