Arkane Lyon Has Until November 13 to Find a Buyer or Close, Union Says

A Printemps Ecologique union delegate told Le Monde that Arkane Lyon must find a buyer by November 13 or face closure, with 217 jobs at risk.

November 13 is the end of the consultation. The delegate, whom Le Monde calls "Simon", said November 13 marks the end of consultations with the studio's Social and Economic Committee, when Microsoft will have to decide the studio's future. He said negotiations on the employee protection plan (PSE) are going badly and that Microsoft is not giving representatives a choice. Le Monde reports that several forms of takeover are under consideration.

Microsoft says it is seeking a partner. In a statement to Le Monde, Microsoft said it continues to explore different options for Arkane, keeps the Social and Economic Committee and employees informed, and is actively looking for a partner to support the next phase of development and enable the commercialization of the project. Microsoft has not confirmed a closure.

The buyer search is required by French law. Under France's Florange law, large groups with 1,000 or more employees that plan to close a site must look for a buyer. Le Monde reports the search began in mid-summer.

Timeline goes back to July. According to Le Monde, Arkane Lyon staff were told on July 16 that Microsoft planned to close the studio, following Xbox's July restructuring announcement. The union has asked for the deadlines to be extended to continue talks. The delegate also said production on Marvel's Blade is nearing its end.