Arkane Lyon Faces Closure by November 13 or 217 Jobs Are Lost

As consultations with the Social and Economic Committee come to an end today, Microsoft's deadline to save French studio Arkane Lyon, the maker of Dishonored, is fast approaching. The fate of the studio hangs in the balance as a decision is made on whether it is to shut down, or change hands. The decision will directly affect 217 employees who will face layoffs if a buyer is not found for the studio by the November 13 deadline. This is a big deal for gamers and industry watchers because the shutdown of this studio will probably mean the end of development for major franchises.

Microsoft must find a buyer for the Dishonored studio by November 13 to prevent layoffs

Arkane Lyon has long been a major part of Microsoft's gaming unit. The studio specializes in narrative-focused action games and unique visual styles. The closure process has been started by Microsoft through consultations with the Social and Economic Committee in France.

These consultations are a legal requirement that gives time to seek alternatives to layoffs. The deadline of November 13 is the final step in this process.

The key technical aspect here is the number of employees involved. Microsoft says that 217 employees will be laid off if the studio is closed. French unions are negotiating hard to push back this deadline.

They want Microsoft to have more time to find a new owner. This might save the studio by allowing it to change hands and continue operation.

The unions claim that Microsoft is closing the studio to save costs and improve short term profitability. Microsoft has said that the closure is due to financial factors. But unions claim that this goes against previous statements that the studio was in good financial health.

There is no independent financial verification of these claims. There is a clear conflict between corporate restructuring and the security of employee jobs.

Microsoft needs to find a buyer for Arkane Lyon by November 13 to prevent closure. If no buyer is found, the studio will be closed and 217 employees will be laid off. French unions are trying to push back the deadline to make a sale easier. The final result will depend on these negotiations and the search for a new owner.

Source: IXBT