Jerk Gustafsson Takes Over Arkane as Xbox Weighs Cuts Ahead of Monday Reset
Updated
Updated · Windows Central · Jul 4
Jerk Gustafsson Takes Over Arkane as Xbox Weighs Cuts Ahead of Monday Reset
3 articles · Updated · Windows Central · Jul 4
Summary
June 30 legal filings in France show MachineGames co-founder Jerk Gustafsson took over Arkane Studios, replacing departing president Leonard Bendel.
The leadership switch lands as Xbox prepares a broader studio "reset" expected to take effect Monday, with cost cuts, sell-offs and possible team mergers under discussion.
Arkane, the studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, had reportedly faced possible closure even while developing Marvel's Blade; the change suggests Microsoft may be pursuing restructuring instead.
MachineGames' stronger standing inside Xbox after Indiana Jones and the Wolfenstein franchise has fueled speculation that Arkane could be merged with it or overseen more directly.
The move points to wider upheaval across Microsoft's gaming business, with other studios including Undead Labs, Double Fine and Compulsion also reportedly in talks over their futures.