Arkane Starts New AAA, But Blade May Take Time

A new AAA game from Arkane Studios entered production in late 2024, raising questions about the development stage of Marvel's Blade. The news that an additional project is being worked on suggests that the highly anticipated Marvel hero title may not be as advanced as fans had hoped. This pipeline expansion from Arkane is a positive sign for the studio's future, but the priority and schedule for Blade remain uncertain, especially after the closure of Arkane Austin by Microsoft.

The revelation of a new AAA game from Arkane brings both optimism and uncertainty for the studio's upcoming releases.

Arkane Studios, known for their acclaimed games like Dishonored and Deathloop, now seems to have at least two major projects in the works. In addition to Marvel's Blade, a third-person action game announced at The Game Awards 2023, the entry of a new AAA title in production in late 2024 suggests that the team is divided or that Blade development may be progressing at a slower pace.

The announcement of Marvel's Blade has generated high expectations, being a significant title for Xbox and Game Pass, following Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media in 2021. However, Microsoft has faced severe criticism for its recent decisions, including the closure of Arkane Austin (developer of Redfall and Prey) and Tango Gameworks (of Hi-Fi Rush) in May 2024, as well as mass layoffs. These actions raise concerns about the stability and strategic direction of studios under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella.

Arkane Lyon, responsible for Deathloop and Dishonored games, is the studio developing Blade. The news of a new AAA entering production at the same Arkane (assuming it's not a new Arkane studio or a source misinterpretation) may indicate that the team is working in parallel or that the new project is a bet for the distant future, but clarity on the status of Blade is crucial for fans.

The success of Marvel's Blade is crucial for Xbox and Game Pass, which internal sources indicate is profitable. Microsoft needs major exclusives to keep subscriber interest, and Blade fits that profile. However, if development is taking longer than expected due to resource allocation in another AAA project, this could impact players' perception of the Xbox release portfolio.

Arkane Studios is recognized for its quality and unique artistic style. The presence of multiple ambitious projects in the studio is a positive sign for its creative capacity, but Microsoft will need to manage expectations and communication about the Blade release schedule to avoid frustrations.