French video game developer based in Lyon, France
Xbox 'Won’t Survive' Without New IP, CEO Says: Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said in a town hall that the division needs to focus on new IP after divesting from many of ...
polygon.com/microsoft-new-ip-comments-ceo-asha-sharma-hypocrisy/
Does Microsoft really want to save Xbox or have they already given up?: Microsoft has put several famous studios under the control of Activision and Bethesda but ...
metro.co.uk/2026/09/23/microsoft-really-want-save-xbox-already-given-29645614/
Xbox 'Reset' Continues With 268 Job Cuts And Activision Making The Next Halo Game
engadget.com/2265293/xbox-reset-continues-with-268-job-cuts-activision-making-the-next-halo-game/
'State of Decay 3' Gets Encouraging Update as Studio Escapes Xbox Layoffs: Undead Labs is now fully independent from Microsoft and will release 'State of Decay ...
polygon.com/undead-labs-state-of-decay-3-microsoft-layoffs-closures/
Dishonored's Harvey Smith named his new studio Black Pony Immersive so people would stop asking him to work on other genres: 'Specialising on what ...
pcgamer.com/games/sim/dishonoreds-harvey-smith-named-his-new-studio-black-pony-immersive-so-people-would-stop-asking-him-to-work-on-other-genres-specialising-on-what-you-love-is-not-a-bad-path/
"We chose the worst time in history" – Harvey Smith on starting his own studio after Arkane
gamesindustry.biz/we-chose-the-worst-time-in-history-harvey-smith-on-starting-his-own-studio-after-arkane
'Dishonored' Veteran Harvey Smith Announces New Studio: Harvey Smith and former Arkane Austin developers have launched Black Pony Immersive ...
polygon.com/harvey-smith-black-pony-immersive-new-game-studio/
Almost 20 years later, Arkane's founder says he understands why Valve cancelled the Ravenholm game that never was: 'It all came down to the ...
pcgamer.com/games/fps/almost-20-years-later-arkanes-founder-says-he-understands-why-valve-cancelled-the-ravenholm-game-that-never-was-it-all-came-down-to-the-economics/
"We chose the worst time in history" – Harvey Smith on starting his own studio after Arkane
gamesindustry.biz/we-chose-the-worst-time-in-history-harvey-smith-on-starting-his-own-studio-after-arkane
'Dishonored' Veteran Harvey Smith Announces New Studio: Harvey Smith and former Arkane Austin developers have launched Black Pony Immersive ...
polygon.com/harvey-smith-black-pony-immersive-new-game-studio/
Thief designer says that the immersive sim audience is too small for AAA games: 'There's quite a few of us who think the way to do it is be III or ...
pcgamer.com/games/sim/thief-designer-says-that-the-immersive-sim-audience-is-too-small-for-aaa-games-theres-quite-a-few-of-us-who-think-the-way-to-do-it-is-be-iii-or-aa/
Arkane Veterans Start New Studio Following XBOX Crisis: Harvey Smith and Ben Horne are co-founding Black Pony Immersive and will reportedly focus on immersive ...
dualshockers.com/arkane-veterans-start-new-studio-following-xbox-crisis/
Redfall Director Pleaded With Microsoft to Release Final Patch, Despite Already Being 'Fired'
ign.com/articles/redfall-director-pleaded-with-microsoft-to-release-final-patch-despite-already-being-fired
CBR Aug 14
It’s Officially the End of an Era for Netflix After 2 Studio Closures: Netflix's endeavors into gaming have resulted in yet more layoffs, with the streaming ...
cbr.com/netflix-games-studio-closures-night-school-moonloot/
8 Little-Known RPGs From Famous Developers: RPGs for when you want new games to play and are tired of the same old ones by famous developers.
dualshockers.com/little-known-rpgs-from-famous-developers/
Dishonored Vs Deathloop: Which Game Is Best?: We pit Dishonored against Deathloop to once and for all establish the definitive Arkane Studios game.
dualshockers.com/dishonored-vs-deathloop-which-game-is-best/
'The last time I liked everything about a game was probably Baldur's Gate 3': Raphael Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios ...
pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-last-time-i-liked-everything-about-a-game-was-probably-baldurs-gate-3-raphael-colantonio-co-founder-of-arkane-studios-talks-us-through-the-games-installed-on-his-pc/
OpinionGame Pass could see major change under new Xbox restructure: Xbox announced sweeping changes in early July, which could have downstream effects on every part of ...
polygon.com/xbox-restructure-game-pass-changes/
Key FactsXbox Undertakes Major Restructuring Amid Challenges
Jul 7, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnet.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnet.com
- Xbox will reduce its workforce by 3,200 employees and divest four studios acquired in the past eight years.
- CEO Asha Sharma described the business as unhealthy, citing excessive costs and insufficient customer growth.
- All publicly announced first-party game projects will continue despite the broad restructuring efforts.
- Industry experts warn the cuts could damage developer morale and gamer trust, risking Xbox’s future position.
It's ghoulish for Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to aspire for a billion daily Xbox players while derailing the lives of thousands of developers making the entertainment to satisfy such aims,— David Lumb, CNET managing editor, said in response to Xbox's layoffs and strategic reset.
Dishonored co-creator asks Xbox CEO 'how much' to buy Arkane: Arkane, the studio behind Dishonored and more, has its future in question as Xbox cuts 4 other ...
polygon.com/arkane-studios-founder-raphael-colantonio-xbox-buy-joke/
OpinionGame Pass could see major change under new Xbox restructure: Xbox announced sweeping changes in early July, which could have downstream effects on every part of ...
polygon.com/xbox-restructure-game-pass-changes/
Going from skull-cracker to safecracker in Dishonored 2: Revisiting the fiendish Jindosh Lock in all its frustrating glory.
pcgamer.com/games/action/going-from-skull-cracker-to-safecracker-in-dishonored-2/
Attempt at downsizing: Xbox boss announces massive job cuts – | and conjures up a glorious future
spiegel.de/netzwelt/games/xbox-chefin-asha-sharma-verkuendet-massiven-stellenabbau-und-beschwoert-glorreiche-zukunft-a-b3673403-d295-43dd-bcff-434671bb416d
Microsoft announces Xbox Game Studios cuts, affecting 4 studios: Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirms 4 studios are leaving Microsoft, with a fifth, Arkane Studios ...
polygon.com/xbox-game-studios-cuts-closures-double-fine-ninja-theory-arkane/
As Xbox Tries to Sell or Close Arkane, the Future of Marvel's Blade Remains Unclear, With Reports Suggesting It Was Delayed Internally and Is Running Over ...
ign.com/articles/as-xbox-tries-to-sell-or-close-arkane-the-future-of-marvels-blade-remains-unclear-with-reports-suggesting-it-was-delayed-internally-and-is-running-over-budget
Former Xbox studios Double Fine and Compulsion will keep games after going indie: Double Fine and Compulsion Games will become “independent studios with their IP ...
theverge.com/games/961749/xbox-layoffs-compulsion-double-fine-indie
DiscussingFilm Jul 06
XBOX is laying off 3,200 employees, 20% of its workforce.
They are also spinning off or selling Arkane Lyon, Compulsion Games, Double Fine ... Show more
Windows Central Jul 04
Change is afoot at Xbox's Arkane Studios and MachineGames — with Machine's co-founder taking over Arkane's operations (UPDATE)
windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/change-is-afoot-at-xboxs-arkane-studios-and-machinegames-with-machines-co-founder-taking-over-arkanes-operations
OpinionHere’s The Part About The Xbox ‘Reset’ I Still Can’t Figure Out: Games drive everything, and building them is hard and takes time
kotaku.com/heres-the-part-about-the-xbox-reset-i-still-cant-figure-out-2000712258
Hideo Kojima's New Horror Game Not at Risk of Xbox Cancellation: OD isn't on the chopping block
pushsquare.com/news/2026/07/hideo-kojimas-new-horror-game-not-at-risk-of-xbox-cancellation
Fiction Horizon Jul 01
Xbox May Cancel Marvel's Blade And Shut Down Arkane Studios For Good: Xbox has spent the better part of this year trying to convince fans that its internal ...
fictionhorizon.com/xbox-may-cancel-marvels-blade-and-shut-down-arkane-studios-for-good/
ComicBook.com Jun 30
Marvel’s Blade Reportedly in Danger of Cancellation at Xbox: Xbox is said to be considering the shutdown of Arkane Studios, which would lead to the upcoming ...
comicbook.com/gaming/news/marvel-blade-game-xbox-arkane-cancellation-report/
Bethesda Boss Todd Howard Saw Marvel's Blade in May, Says Arkane 'Doing a Really, Really Great Job'
ign.com/articles/bethesda-boss-todd-howard-saw-marvels-blade-in-may-says-arkane-doing-a-really-really-great-job
Every Xbox Studio Reportedly At Risk Of Closure And The Games They're Known For: These are all the Xbox studios that are rumored to be closing.
thegamer.com/every-xbox-studio-reportedly-risk-closure/
Dishonored developer defends loading screens: | "I have a weakness for them": In the Dishonored creator stream, the developers at Arkane Studios ...
pcgameshardware.de/Dishonored-Spiel-21718/News/Dishonored-Ladebildschirm-Entwickler-Stream-14-jahre-spaeter-1545855/
Arkane's Blade Is "Not Dead" Despite Xbox Showcase No Show: Despite being a no-show during the biggest week for games of the year, Arkane's Blade is still doing ...
thegamer.com/marvel-blade-not-dead-arkane/
Wccftech Jun 15
Xbox Plans to Shutter Compulsion Games, Arkane Lyon Also “Scared” of Being Shut Down, it’s Claimed
wccftech.com/compulsion-games-arkane-lyon-xbox-studios-scared-of-being-shut-down/
XBOX Shakeups Begin With Senior Departures, Looming Studio Closures: Shake-ups are already underway after word of an upcoming reset.
dualshockers.com/xbox-shakeups-begin-with-senior-departures-looming-studio-closures/
Wccftech Jun 16
Xbox Layoffs Just the Beginning of a Publisher-Wide Catastrophe; Arkane, Bethesda, id, BioWare, and PlayStation Studios Are Also at Risk
wccftech.com/xbox-layoffs-publisher-wide-catastrophe/
Multiple Xbox Studios Reportedly In Active Negotiations With Microsoft To Avoid Closure
nintendolife.com/news/2026/06/multiple-xbox-studios-reportedly-in-active-negotiations-with-microsoft-to-avoid-closure
GamesRadar+ May 24
Dishonored co-creators were working on Thief 4 and a Bladerunner game before Bethesda let them make an imsim classic
gamesradar.com/games/stealth/dishonored-co-creators-were-working-on-thief-4-and-a-bladerunner-game-before-bethesda-let-them-make-an-imsim-classic/
Before Dishonored, Arkane wanted to make two absolute dream projects: Dishonored is now considered a modern immersive sim classic. But Arkane Studios was ...
pcgames.de/Dishonored-Spiel-21718/News/arkane-thief-4-blade-runner-bethesda-pitch-1536283/
Dishonored Was A Compromise Between Blade Runner And Thief: Dishonored's co-creators both wanted to work on different games, but eventually they compromised.
thegamer.com/dishonored-comprise-arkane-creators-blade-runner-thief/
Dishonored Fans Are Hopeful for a Third Game After Social Media Resurgence - IGN: There has been a ton of buzz around Dishonored's future, following a rather ...
ign.com/articles/dishonored-fans-are-hopeful-for-a-third-game-after-social-media-resurgence
Revisiting Redfall after its final update reveals the ghost of the game it wanted to be
pcgamer.com/games/revisiting-redfall-after-its-final-update-reveals-the-ghost-of-the-game-it-wanted-to-be/
Crimson Desert does what other games do backwards and that's why it's a beautiful freak of nature, says imsim vet at Arkane Lyon
pcgamer.com/games/action/crimson-desert-does-what-other-games-do-backwards-and-thats-why-its-a-beautiful-freak-of-nature-says-imsim-vet-at-arkane-lyon/
OpinionA game rated 97/100 from 2012 currently costs €2.49 on Steam, and it remains a masterpiece for me to this day.
gamestar.de/artikel/dishonored-steam-sale-fuer-2-euro-kaufen,3445438.html
Wccftech Dec 25 25
“Please Be Patient, It Will Be A Special Game,” Says Arkane Lyon Director as we Wait for Updates on Marvel’s Blade
wccftech.com/marvels-blade-arkane-lyon-director-says-please-be-patient-it-will-be-a-special-game/
Arkane's Blade Game Hasn't Been Canceled, Director Asks Fans For Patience: Arkane's director has provided an update on the studio's Blade game ...
thegamer.com/arkane-director-blade-game-update/
Dishonored co-creator says it was 'a shock' when Microsoft closed Arkane Austin after Redfall's release: 'We were working on something ...
pcgamer.com/games/fps/dishonored-co-creator-says-it-was-a-shock-when-microsoft-closed-arkane-austin-after-redfalls-release-we-were-working-on-something-really-cool/
Fiction Horizon Nov 20 25
Games That Lie To You About Your Choices Mattering: Choice-driven games promise branching paths and wildly different outcomes, but plenty still funnel you toward ...
fictionhorizon.com/games-that-lie-to-you-about-your-choices-mattering/
Fiction Horizon Oct 30 25
Top 15 Female Video Game Villains: Some villains stick in our heads because of how cleverly they challenge players, and these women have done that across genres ...
fictionhorizon.com/top-female-video-game-villains/
GamingBolt Jul 07 25
Key FactsXbox Game Pass Profit Calculations Exclude Key Costs
Jul 7, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: gamingbolt.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: gamingbolt.com
- Xbox Game Pass is deemed profitable by Microsoft when only third-party fees, marketing, and service costs are accounted for.
- Revenue lost from day-one availability of first-party titles on Game Pass is not included in profitability assessments.
- Former employees question the long-term sustainability of the service without unlimited funding resources.
- Phil Spencer highlights Game Pass as a viable option for frequent gamers but acknowledges it doesn’t suit everyone.
For me, I look at Game Pass as a healthy option for certain people. It’s not for everybody.— Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, discussing the appeal of Game Pass.
Arkane Studios founder calls Game Pass "unsustainable model", and one which is "damaging the industry"
eurogamer.net/arkane-studios-founder-calls-game-pass-unsustainable-model-and-one-which-is-damaging-the-industry
Key FactsArkane Founder Critiques Microsoft’s Game Pass Model
Jul 6, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgamer.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgamer.com
- Arkane founder Raphael Colantonio calls the Game Pass model unsustainable and damaging to developers and gamers alike.
- He argues that Game Pass cannot coexist with other revenue models and will either dominate or fail.
- Colantonio compares Game Pass to streaming services that initially offer great deals but later cause industry challenges.
- Microsoft’s reliance on Game Pass is linked to declining Xbox console sales and impacts multiple beloved studios.
Arkane founder calls Game Pass an 'unsustainable model' that's wrecking the industry
engadget.com/gaming/arkane-founder-calls-game-pass-an-unsustainable-model-thats-wrecking-the-industry-175819929.html
Xbox and Arkane's Blade Game Sounds Like It's Still a Long, Long Way Off: Sheathed
pushsquare.com/news/2025/07/xbox-and-arkanes-blade-game-sounds-like-its-still-a-long-long-way-off
"Unsustainable and harmful": criticism of the Game Pass grows louder: Microsoft is relying heavily on the Game Pass to distribute its games - a strategy that is ...
pcgameshardware.de/Spiele-Thema-239104/News/Branchenveteranen-warnen-Game-Pass-ist-kein-nachhaltiges-Modell-1476643/
Arkane's founder is open to the idea of making Dishonored 3, just don't place any bets on it actually happening
rockpapershotgun.com/arkanes-founder-is-open-to-the-idea-of-making-dishonored-3-just-dont-place-any-bets-on-it-actually-happening
Viktor Antonov, Half-Life 2 art director has died: Half-Life 2 art director Viktor Antonov has died aged 52.
gamesindustry.biz/viktor-antonov-half-life-2-art-director-has-died
Half-Life 2 and Dishonored art lead Viktor Antonov dies aged just 52: Half-Life 2 art director and Dishonored designer Viktor Antonov has died aged just 52.
eurogamer.net/half-life-2-and-dishonored-art-lead-viktor-antonov-dies-aged-just-52
Remembering Viktor Antonov, Beloved Artist Behind Half-Life 2 And Dishonored: Marc Laidlaw, Harvey Smith, Raphaël Colantonio and others remember a lost friend
kotaku.com/viktor-antonov-half-life-2-dishonored-artist-obituary-1851765954
