Reports indicate that Microsoft is considering selling Arkane Studios, the development team behind the Dishonored series. Ubisoft is among several companies that have submitted bids, with at least two other gaming firms also participating in the acquisition process. Currently, Microsoft has not reached an agreement with any of the bidders.
In addition to selling to external companies, Xbox has also evaluated a proposal for Arkane's existing management to take over the studio. The transaction remains in negotiation stages; the original deadline of November 13, 2026, has been extended by one month to December 13.
Sources suggest that a potential deal would likely allow Arkane to complete the ongoing development of Marvel's Blade, which is expected to launch within the next one to two years. However, a PlayStation 5 version has never been confirmed, and a change in studio ownership does not necessarily imply changes to its platform plans.
Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier previously stated that he believes a deal will ultimately be reached, allowing Arkane to continue operating under new ownership. This is merely the journalist's personal assessment and not an official commitment from Microsoft, Ubisoft, or Arkane.