Xbox Seeks Partner to Support Arkane Lyon as It Finishes Marvel's Blade, Extends Search for Buyer

Microsoft has said it's exploring the possibility of a company coming in to support Arkane Lyon as it works to finish development of Marvel's Blade, and that it's extending the deadline to find a buyer for the studio.

Arkane Lyon's 217 employees are currently at risk of losing their jobs unless a buyer is found for the famed immersive sim studio. According to a recent report, Microsoft wanted to close the studio as part of its sweeping cuts in the summer, but French law prevented it from doing so straight away.

Following that report, which claimed Arkane had until November 13 to find a new owner, Microsoft has extended the deadline by a month. Additionally, it said it's looking for a partner to "support" Arkane, presumably with financing, for the final stretch of Marvel’s Blade's development.

"We have extended the consultation period by one additional month as we explore options, including finding a partner to support the studio through the …