In the gaming industry, development costs have consistently risen over time. This trend was particularly evident between 2011, when The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was launched, and 2016, the year Dishonored 2 was released. The increased budget for a smaller franchise raised concerns for Bethesda regarding Arkane Lyon’s viability. There were worries that the studio could have faced closure if not for the high quality of Dishonored 2.
Former Arkane designer Julien Eveillé reflected on this during a conversation with a gaming publication, explaining that Dishonored 2 achieved a level of excellence that reassured Bethesda. The stark contrast in sales figures between Skyrim and Dishonored 2 certainly prompted further scrutiny from executives. These higher production costs raised significant questions about the studio's future and the justification for continued investment in Arkane Lyon.
Eveillé noted that Bethesda had seen Skyrim's impressive sales figures, particularly in light of its lower production costs compared to Dishonored 2. The studio faced inquiries regarding the rationale behind ongoing support for Arkane Lyon given these financial considerations. Despite the pressure, Arkane continued to cultivate a reputation for producing what many viewed as the highest quality games in Bethesda's portfolio.
This established reputation has allowed Arkane to thrive over the years, with the latest title since Dishonored 2, Deathloop, reinforcing their strong standing. Eveillé emphasized the pivotal role of studio director Dinga Bakaba's message, which restored confidence among management following the exit of studio founder Raphael Colantionio. He recalled Bakaba advocating for a return to the creation of unique experiences instead of chasing trends like games-as-a-service.
Yet, in a contrasting scenario, Arkane Austin did not share the same protection despite the success of Prey. It appears that in the eyes of executives, a single unsuccessful title can carry more weight than a successful one, highlighting the challenges faced by studios within the modern gaming landscape.