Arkane Lyon boss Dinga Bakaba has publicly criticized Microsoft executives for their decision to close several studios, including the Austin studio. He called the news “a fucking gut stab” and emphasized the importance of taking care of artists and entertainers in the entertainment industry.

Bakaba expressed his disappointment and urged executives to show compassion and respect for those affected by the closures. Several studios, including Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Roundhouse, and Alpha Dog are planned for closure. The decision to lay off 1,900 staff across Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, and Xbox was made after identifying areas of overlap and prioritizing growth opportunities.

This is absolutely terrible. Permission to be human : to any executive reading this, friendly reminder that video games are an entertainment/cultural industry, and your business as a corporation is to take care of your artists/entertainers and help them create value for you.

— Dinga Bakaba (@DBakaba) May 7, 2024

I just want to say that I love all the people at Arkane Austin so much. Great times, hard times, we went through so much, together. Of course, today's news is terrible, for all of us. Your talent will lift you up, and I will do anything I can to help.

— Harvey Smith (@Harvey1966) May 7, 2024