Xbox is reportedly weighing up Marvel’s Blade for cancellation amid planned restructuring

Before I continue, can we all just let out a collective sigh? Okay, now that’s done, let’s jump into it.

Just a week or so ago, I covered a few stories on Marvel’s Blade. Todd Howard had recently seen the project and said it was progressing well, and the game’s lead concept artist spoke on X regarding the game, both of which gave us a glimmer of hope that perhaps Arkane was safe and the game would eventually see the light of day.

Unfortunately, I have some bad news if this report from The Verge turns out to be accurate.

According to The Verge, Microsoft’s next wave of Xbox layoffs is set for next week and could include studio closures or spin-offs, potential studio mergers, and canceled games. One of those games, according to the report, could be Marvel’s Blade.

Now, it’s important to mention that this is only something Microsoft is reportedly considering. The report also claims Xbox is exploring the possibility of selling Arkane.

In what is admittedly a bad situation all around, that would probably be the better outcome. I’d much rather see Xbox stick with the project and see it through, but Asha Sharma’s reset appears to be focused on restructuring Xbox and returning the business to profitability.

The report also claims we could have seen Marvel’s Blade as early as later this year before its internal release target reportedly slipped to late 2027. To me, that suggests the game may have been further along than many of us expected, although game development is unpredictable, so that’s purely my own speculation.

I don’t really want to drone on, because I think we’re all painfully aware of what’s potentially coming. It’s going to be a difficult few weeks for Xbox fans, employees, and the wider games industry.

Gaming is supposed to be a hobby that helps us escape from everything else going on in the world, so it really does suck when those same problems keep finding their way into the industry we all enjoy so much.

With that said, I genuinely hope this remains something that’s only being considered and that Arkane gets the chance to finish Marvel’s Blade. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to take part in our poll.