Arkane Lyon faces November 13 deadline to find a buyer or shut down

Arkane Lyon, the developer behind the upcoming Marvel's Blade game, could be shuttered in weeks if a buyer isn't found. According to reports from GameSpot and Rock Paper Shotgun, Microsoft must adhere to a French law requiring a three-month search for a purchaser before closing the studio, with a deadline of November 13.

Rock Paper Shotgun reports that negotiations are exploring several potential forms of takeover. The French law in question, known as the Florange Law, applies to companies with over 1,000 employees and aims to protect jobs; 217 positions at Arkane Lyon are reportedly at risk.

Per the report in French outlet Le Monde, a union representative criticized Microsoft's conduct during the process. Microsoft, however, told Le Monde it is actively looking for a partner to help finish and release Marvel's Blade.

The unions state that development on the Blade title is nearly complete. In a prior statement about layoffs, Xbox indicated that discussions regarding Arkane's future were expected to extend into the final months of the year.