Amidst mounting fears of Xbox closures, Todd Howard says Arkane is ‘doing a really, really good job’ on Blade
June 23, 2026
The recent restructuring at Xbox has left many questioning the stability of its studios, with particular concern directed towards Arkane Lyon. Since the announcement of Marvel’s Blade at the 2023 Game Awards, the studio has largely remained out of the spotlight. Its absence from the recent Xbox Games Showcase only fueled speculation, especially amidst reports that several Microsoft developers face potential closures, raising fears that both Arkane and its ambitious project might be quietly sidelined.
Reassurance from Bethesda’s Leadership
However, Todd Howard, the head of Bethesda Softworks, has stepped in to quell these concerns. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, he provided a reassuring update on Arkane’s progress with Marvel’s Blade. Howard expressed optimism about the project, noting that he had seen some of Arkane’s latest work as recently as May, which he described as promising.
While Howard’s comments serve as a welcome indication of ongoing development, the broader context within Microsoft raises questions about Arkane’s future. The company has a history of announcing new projects while simultaneously making cuts, as evidenced by the closure of Arkane’s Austin studio in 2024. This pattern leaves some industry observers skeptical about the long-term viability of Arkane and its current endeavors.
In light of these developments, the gaming community remains cautiously optimistic, hoping that Arkane Lyon will continue to thrive and deliver on its creative potential. For now, the focus shifts to the studio’s work on Marvel’s Blade, as stakeholders await further updates on its progress.
Amidst mounting fears of Xbox closures, Todd Howard says Arkane is ‘doing a really, really good job’ on Blade
The recent restructuring at Xbox has left many questioning the stability of its studios, with particular concern directed towards Arkane Lyon. Since the announcement of Marvel’s Blade at the 2023 Game Awards, the studio has largely remained out of the spotlight. Its absence from the recent Xbox Games Showcase only fueled speculation, especially amidst reports that several Microsoft developers face potential closures, raising fears that both Arkane and its ambitious project might be quietly sidelined.
Reassurance from Bethesda’s Leadership
However, Todd Howard, the head of Bethesda Softworks, has stepped in to quell these concerns. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, he provided a reassuring update on Arkane’s progress with Marvel’s Blade. Howard expressed optimism about the project, noting that he had seen some of Arkane’s latest work as recently as May, which he described as promising.
While Howard’s comments serve as a welcome indication of ongoing development, the broader context within Microsoft raises questions about Arkane’s future. The company has a history of announcing new projects while simultaneously making cuts, as evidenced by the closure of Arkane’s Austin studio in 2024. This pattern leaves some industry observers skeptical about the long-term viability of Arkane and its current endeavors.
In light of these developments, the gaming community remains cautiously optimistic, hoping that Arkane Lyon will continue to thrive and deliver on its creative potential. For now, the focus shifts to the studio’s work on Marvel’s Blade, as stakeholders await further updates on its progress.