Arkane union accuses Microsoft of "sabotaging" Marvel's Blade with 19-month hiring freeze

A French union representing workers at Arkane Lyon has accused Microsoft of sabotaging development of Marvel's Blade, claiming a 19-month hiring freeze caused the delays now being used to justify the studio's closure. In a statement published today , the Syndicat des travailleureuses du jeu vidéo (STJV) said work on Blade is "going fine" and that the game is on track to meet Arkane's usual quality. It argued that the freeze had led to delays and extra costs, which Microsoft is now allegedly citing as an economic reason to shut the studio.