Arkane For Sale Blade at Risk Founder Asks Xbox CEO

Entity Definition: Arkane Studios and the Blade Game Sale Situation

Arkane Studios is a video game developer owned by Microsoft through its Xbox Game Studios division, known for immersive sims such as Dishonored and Prey. The studio is currently reported to be for sale by Microsoft, putting the upcoming Marvel's Blade game at risk. The original founder, Raphael Colantonio, publicly asked Xbox CEO Phil Spencer "How much?" in a tweet, indicating interest in repurchasing the studio. This situation arises amid broader layoffs at Microsoft Gaming and concerns over the legacy of the Dishonored franchise.

Key Facts

What is the current status of Arkane studios under Microsoft?

Arkane Studios is reportedly being put up for sale by Microsoft, according to a Kotaku report published on February 20, 2025. The move follows a period of restructuring at Xbox Game Studios, including the layoff of 1,900 employees in 2024. Both Arkane Austin and Arkane Lyon are affected, with the future of Marvel's Blade uncertain.

Microsoft has not publicly confirmed the sale. However, the report states that internal discussions have taken place, and potential buyers have been approached. The studio’s founder, Raphael Colantonio, responded to the news by directly tweeting at Xbox CEO Phil Spencer: "How much?" This suggests Colantonio is interested in reacquiring the studio he founded in 1999.

Arkane Studios is reportedly for sale by Microsoft, with the founder publicly asking the Xbox CEO "How much?" in a tweet.

Why is the Blade game at risk?

The Marvel's Blade game, announced in 2023 and developed by Arkane Lyon, is at risk because the studio’s sale could disrupt development or lead to cancellation. The Kotaku report indicates that the game’s future is uncertain pending the outcome of the sale process.

Arkane Lyon was working on Blade as a major title, but with Microsoft potentially divesting the studio, the project may be shelved or transferred. The report notes that no official statement has been made by Microsoft or Marvel regarding the game’s status. The risk is compounded by the broader layoffs and cost-cutting measures at Xbox.

The Marvel's Blade game is at risk of cancellation or delay due to the potential sale of Arkane Lyon.

What did the original founder ask Xbox CEO?

Raphael Colantonio, the original founder of Arkane Studios, tweeted at Xbox CEO Phil Spencer with the question "How much?" in response to reports that the studio was for sale. This was a direct inquiry about the price to buy back the studio.

Colantonio left Arkane in 2017 but has remained a public figure in the gaming industry. His tweet, captured by Kotaku, read:

"How much?"

— Raphael Colantonio, tweet to Phil Spencer, February 2025

The tweet garnered significant attention, with many interpreting it as a serious offer. Colantonio has not publicly elaborated on his intentions, but the query underscores the founder’s desire to reclaim the studio he built.

Raphael Colantonio directly asked Xbox CEO Phil Spencer "How much?" in a tweet, indicating interest in buying back Arkane Studios.

Who is affected by the potential sale of Arkane?

The potential sale of Arkane Studios primarily affects the employees of Arkane Austin and Arkane Lyon, the developers working on Marvel's Blade, and fans of the Dishonored franchise. If the sale proceeds, it could lead to studio closures, project cancellations, or a change in creative direction.

Microsoft’s layoffs in 2024 already impacted Arkane, with some staff let go. The sale would further destabilize the studio’s workforce. For players, the Dishonored legacy—a series that sold over 5 million copies—may be left without a future installment. The Blade game, highly anticipated by Marvel fans, is now in limbo.

Employees, developers of Marvel's Blade, and Dishonored fans are the primary groups affected by the potential sale of Arkane Studios.

Common Questions

Is Arkane Austin being sold?

According to a Kotaku report, both Arkane Austin and Arkane Lyon are reportedly for sale by Microsoft. No official confirmation has been made, but internal discussions are ongoing.

Will the Blade game be cancelled?

The Marvel's Blade game is at risk due to the potential sale of Arkane Lyon. Microsoft and Marvel have not issued a statement, but the project’s future is uncertain pending the sale outcome.

Did Raphael Colantonio offer to buy Arkane?

Raphael Colantonio tweeted "How much?" to Xbox CEO Phil Spencer, implying interest in purchasing the studio. He has not made a formal offer publicly, but the tweet is seen as a serious inquiry.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single source: a Kotaku report published on February 20, 2025, titled "With Arkane For Sale And Blade At Risk, Original Founder Asks Xbox CEO 'How Much?'" The report details the potential sale of Arkane Studios, the risk to Marvel's Blade, and the founder’s tweet. No additional sources were used. All facts, quotes, and figures are derived from that report. The article was last updated on February 20, 2025.