How Dishonored 2 Rescued Arkane Studios

Arkane Studios might just owe its survival to Dishonored 2, or so a former designer believes. Despite having a hefty budget and not quite reaching the sales heights of some of Bethesda’s other hit titles, this sequel left a mark through sheer quality. It carried forward the legacy of the 2012 original, capturing the adoration of many and balancing out its lackluster financial returns with critical love.

The enduring affection for Arkane’s stealth-centered universe is palpable. While Bethesda has seen major titles like the Elder Scrolls stand front and center, the Dishonored series holds a unique place as a top contender in the stealth genre, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. However, this hasn’t always been the case; Bethesda once harbored doubts about Arkane’s potential and their creations.

Interestingly, a candid conversation with PC Gamer revealed some insights from ex-Arkane designer Julien Eveillé. He shared that Dishonored 2 played a crucial role in preserving Arkane’s relationship with Bethesda, even when the financial outcomes were disappointing. The game, which cost more to produce than the legendary Skyrim, surprised many by not selling as expected, casting shadows over its future. Despite this, the prestige of Dishonored 2’s quality solidified its status among Bethesda’s top-tier catalog. In a world where Bethesda’s releases often come synonymous with bugs, having such a polished piece was undoubtedly a win for them, even if it didn’t break sales records.

Sticking to this high bar of quality seemed to have paid off. Almost a decade later, Arkane is still actively partnering with Bethesda, having launched Deathloop in 2021 and diving into Marvel’s Blade with an eye on a 2027 release. While these games haven’t eclipsed the cultural footprint of a Skyrim, staying true to their distinct approach has ensured Arkane’s ongoing achievements under the Bethesda umbrella.

However, not every affiliate of Bethesda has been as fortunate. In 2024, Xbox closed several Bethesda studios, including Arkane Austin. Still, some studios managed to survive, with Tango Gameworks being a notable exception. Former Arkane Austin team members have prospects, too—Judas’ Ken Levine has shown interest in bringing some of these talented individuals onboard. Thus, Arkane’s solid reputation for producing quality games could extend its influence beyond its formal stint with Bethesda.