The Impact of Dishonored 2 on Arkane’s Success and Future
Overview of Dishonored 2’s Impact on Arkane Studios
- Dishonored 2 is credited with ‘rescuing’ Arkane Studios.
- Despite its substantial budget and below-average sales, the game was highly acclaimed.
- Arkane’s commitment to excellence has facilitated continued collaboration with Bethesda and new project developments.
Even though Dishonored 2 did not achieve the sales success of many other titles published by Bethesda, it is often considered a pivotal factor in the survival of Arkane Studios, as stated by a former designer at the company. The sequel to the critically acclaimed 2012 stealth action RPG, Dishonored, has garnered significant appreciation from both fans and critics alike. Ultimately, the impressive quality of Dishonored 2 compensated for its less-than-ideal financial outcomes.
Today, the Dishonored series is fondly remembered by gamers. While other Bethesda franchises, like the Elder Scrolls, often attract more attention, Dishonored is widely regarded as one of the premier stealth game series, appealing to enthusiasts old and new. However, there was a time when Bethesda’s confidence in Arkane and its titles wavered.
In a revealing interview with PC Gamer, former Arkane designer Julien Eveillé asserted that Dishonored 2 effectively saved the studio, despite its lackluster sales figures. Eveillé noted that the production costs exceeded those of Skyrim, yet the sales fell short, which led Bethesda to reassess its relationship with Arkane. Nevertheless, the meticulous craftsmanship of Dishonored 2 earned it the distinction of being “one of the most refined games in the entire Bethesda catalog, ”ensuring the continuation of their partnership. Given Bethesda’s history with game bugs, a polished title like Dishonored 2 was undoubtedly a valuable asset for the publisher, despite not reaching the immense popularity of their flagship titles.
The Unsurpassed Quality of Dishonored 2: A Lifeline for Arkane Studios
The impact of Dishonored 2 extended beyond its initial release, as evidenced by Arkane Studios continuing to produce games for Bethesda nearly a decade later. Following Dishonored 2, the studio released Deathloop in 2021 and is currently developing Marvel’s Blade, anticipated for release in 2027. While these projects may not yet match the mainstream acclaim of Skyrim, Arkane’s unwavering focus on quality and unique artistic vision has ensured its sustained success under Bethesda’s umbrella.
Not every studio affiliated with Bethesda has been as fortunate, however. In 2024, Xbox made the decision to shut down Arkane Austin along with several other Bethesda studios. Although some studios, such as Tango Gameworks, managed to persist, Arkane’s Austin branch was not so lucky. Nevertheless, the strong reputation for quality associated with Arkane may provide opportunities for former employees, as evident by Ken Levine’s interest in hiring ex-Arkane Austin developers for future undertakings.
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