Ubisoft are reportedly tapped as one potential company that could acquire Arkane, though the Dishonored studio's own management may be in the running too

Arkane Studios, known for titles like Dishonored, is reportedly a potential acquisition target for Ubisoft, which has made a bid to purchase the studio from Microsoft. Other unnamed gaming companies have also expressed interest, and Arkane’s management team may bid to buy the studio themselves. Microsoft has not yet finalized a deal with any party, leaving the outcome uncertain. The process remains exploratory as Xbox evaluates options ahead of a December deadline.

Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is considering selling Arkane Studios as part of broader restructuring efforts. The studio’s next project, Blade, is expected to release within the next two years if a sale is completed. An Xbox spokesperson confirmed the company is exploring options but declined further comment. Ubisoft also declined to address the reported bid.

A December 13 deadline looms due to French labor laws, which require companies with over 1,000 employees to seek a buyer for three months before closure. This deadline applies to Arkane’s potential sale, leaving roughly six weeks to finalize a deal. The sale is part of Microsoft’s ongoing restructuring, which includes the closure or sale of multiple studios.

Microsoft’s restructuring has already led to the closure or sale of several studios, including Double Fine, Undead Labs, and Compulsion, which transitioned to indie status. Ninja Theory is also set to shut down, and thousands of Xbox employees have been laid off in multiple rounds of cuts. The company continues to face criticism for its handling of these changes.