Game Talk

Why Microsoft has to look for a buyer for Arkane Lyon at all: the French law bit

A lot of people asked 'why can't Microsoft just close the studio?' The answer is French law! Kotaku explains that companies with at least 1,000 employees have to look for a buyer before mass layoffs or a closure. Microsoft obviously qualifies.

So the process is: search for a buyer, consult with the works council, and only then can it close. That's why two unions, Printemps Écologique and the STJV, could ask for more time, and got it. PC Gamer had the original deadline at 13 November.

Microsoft also said closure documents are part of the required consultation, not a final decision. Really interesting how different this is from countries where a studio can just be shut overnight!