Todd Howard Confirms Arkane’s Marvel’s Blade Is Still Progressing

With the current climate surrounding Xbox-owned studios marked by rumors of widespread layoffs and potential closures, many have wondered about the status of Marvel's Blade. However, Bethesda boss Todd Howard has offered a rare piece of positive news, confirming that the title remains in active development at Arkane Studios.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Howard addressed the progress of the upcoming superhero game. While he stopped short of providing a release window or a date for the next trailer, his assessment of the project was encouraging.

"I'm not at liberty to say when we'll see more," Howard told the outlet. "But I saw some stuff just yesterday, and the folks at Arkane are doing a really, really great job."

The comments come from a visit Howard made to the studio on May 21. While the interview was published this week, it is worth noting that the Xbox landscape has shifted significantly in the weeks since his visit. The period following his trip to Arkane has been dominated by reports of impending studio cuts and the broader instability currently facing the Xbox division as it approaches the end of Microsoft's financial year in July.

The uncertainty surrounding Arkane follows a pattern seen with other Xbox-owned developers. For instance, while Ninja Theory recently showcased Senua at the summer event, the studio has been the subject of frequent reports regarding potential closure. Some industry observers have suggested that the public reveal of such trailers is a strategic move by Xbox to highlight a studio’s value to potential buyers.

Despite these broader industry concerns, Arkane appears to hold a more stable position than some of its peers. The studio benefits from an additional layer of protection provided by its ownership under Bethesda. Furthermore, Howard’s personal interest in the project suggests a commitment to seeing the title through to completion, particularly as Bethesda looks to bolster its release pipeline in the absence of new entries for The Elder Scrolls or Fallout.

While an official confirmation regarding the future of many Xbox-owned teams is expected in July, Howard’s recent check-in serves as a signal that, for now, the Marvel's Blade team is continuing their work as planned.