Arkane Union Accuses Microsoft Of “Sabotaging” Development Of Marvel’s Blade

As the fate of Arkane Lyon hangs in the balance, a union representing workers from the French studio offered strong words toward Arkane's parent company, Microsoft. In short, the union blames Microsoft for "sabotaging" the production of its Blade game.

French trade union STJV (per VGC) claimed that development on Marvel's Blade is "going fine," but said that workers face the "harsh reality" that Microsoft may close the studio for financial reasons. But the union said that the onus for Arkane's tough financial situation is on Microsoft itself, claiming that a hiring freeze that lasted 19 months "artificially caused delay and additional cost."

STJV asserts that closing Arkane would be more costly than finishing Marvel's Blade, adding that a studio closure would be the result of Microsoft's "never-ending search for maximum profit optimization." The union argues that Arkane is profitable, but "not profitable enough for Microsoft."

The union's statement lists demands that include protections for employees and giving workers a …