Raphael Colantonio, the original founder of Arkane Studios, has made an unofficial bid to reacquire his former studio amid Xbox's massive restructuring. In response to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's announcement that 3,200 jobs will be cut and four studios will be handed back to management or new ownership, Colantonio jokingly asked on X: "Regarding Arkane… how much? I'm asking for a friend," accompanied by an XP emoji.
Colantonio's History with Arkane
Colantonio founded Arkane in 1999 and served as its CEO for 18 years. Under his leadership, the studio shipped critically acclaimed titles including Dishonored, Dishonored 2, and Prey. He left in 2017 to form WolfEye Studios, which has published Weird West and is working on another project.
Arkane became part of Xbox in 2021 through the Bethesda acquisition. Since then, the studio released Deathloop and Redfall, with the latter receiving poor reviews from players and critics. Currently, Arkane is developing a Marvel's Blade game, but only a teaser trailer has been shown, and its future is uncertain.
Xbox's Restructuring and Studio Closures
As part of Xbox's restructuring, Double Fine and Compulsion Games have been handed back to management, while Undead Labs and Ninja Theory are in talks for buyouts. Arkane is also being considered for separation, entering a 'consultation' period likely due to strict French employment laws.
Colantonio's query, though made in jest, has garnered support from fans. One X user replied: "OH PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN!" Another wrote: "Raphael, I think I speak for many when I say we will Venmo some money your way to make this happen." A third added: "Raph, I swear if you were able to make this happen, I would kiss the ground you walk on."
Previous Criticism of Xbox's Decisions
Colantonio previously criticized Xbox's decision to shut down Arkane's Austin studio after Redfall's poor reception, calling it 'stupid'. The fate of Arkane Studios remains uncertain, and further updates will be reported as they emerge.
