Arkane Studios Founder Inquires About Purchase Price from Xbox CEO

The future of Arkane Studios, known for titles like Dishonored and the upcoming Marvel’s Blade, is currently in limbo. Xbox recently revealed significant changes within the company, including 3,200 layoffs and the restructuring of several studios, with some going independent or seeking new ownership. Arkane’s situation is somewhat unique, as Xbox must navigate French labor laws, which require a more extended process to determine the studio’s fate. However, one familiar face is already expressing interest in acquiring the studio.

In a response to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s detailed post about the changes, Arkane’s co-founder Raphaël Colantonio playfully inquired, “how much?” While it seems to be a lighthearted comment, he added that he was “asking for a friend,” punctuating his message with a cheeky emoji. Colantonio, who co-founded Arkane and played a pivotal role in creating Dishonored, has directed several of the studio’s projects, including Arx Fatalis and Prey.

After departing Arkane in 2017, Colantonio launched WolfEye Studios in 2019 with former Arkane producer Julien Roby. Their debut title, the isometric action-RPG Weird West, hit the market in 2022. Despite some flaws, it offers an enjoyable experience, with one review highlighting the moments when everything clicks together, creating a sense of magic. In 2025, Colantonio announced that WolfEye was developing its second game, a first-person immersive sim, similar to Dishonored.

While Colantonio’s playful question to Sharma appears more like a joke than a serious bid, fans are rallying around the post. Comments like “Please sell it to this man” and a gif of Homer Simpson pleading for something reflect the community’s hope for Arkane to find new leadership they believe could be more beneficial than the current situation with Xbox.

Other studios impacted by the recent announcements are facing varied outcomes. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will transition to independent studios, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs have secured new ownership, though details on that front remain undisclosed.

It’s been a challenging period for Team Green.