Arkane devs publish open letter demanding end to Microsoft’s relationship with the Israeli military

Arkane Lyon employees who are members of the video game union STJV are calling on Microsoft to cease their support of Israel’s ongoing war against Gaza. The French company published an open letter specifying its goals of joining the No Azure for Apartheid and BDS movements.

These movements demand that Microsoft terminate contact with Israeli Occupation Forces, call for an immediate ceasefire, and uphold the protection of pro-Palestinian free speech. Most notably, the letter demands that Microsoft partake in a public independent audit to ensure its services aren’t violating multiple human rights acts, including Microsoft’s own.

“Le Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo,” or STJV, is an independent French video game union that focuses on the fair and ethical treatment of game developers. Their home page states their aim to “constitute a friendship, solidarity and defence pact between all workers of the video games industry.” Recently, the union has also covered its support for the “Stop Killing Games” movement, and served as a plaintiff during the trial regarding Ubisoft’s hostile and harassment-heavy workplace.’

The open letter cites the Associated Press’ report, which analyses how Microsoft’s technology and AI services are used in Israel’s war effort. The letter further states, “Microsoft has been turning a blind eye to demands from its own team. Even worse, multiple persons, trying to raise awareness of the situation in Gaza and Microsoft implication in it, have been terminated.”

Arkane Studio’s STJV section is placing pressure on Zenimax & Microsoft to sever their ties to the Israeli army. But their position under Microsoft may cause further issues for the studio itself. Microsoft became Arkane’s parent company during their acquisition of Zenimax in 2020. Microsoft have reported mass layoffs that have heavily affected their game studios over the past few years, including Arkane Austin’s closure.

Arkane is one of the biggest and most critically acclaimed studios in France. The studio has released several beloved immersive FPS’, and has recently been working on a game based around Marvel’s vampire hunter Blade. While Arkane has suffered in recent years, we hope their commendable stand for human rights doesn’t impact them further. Microsoft has yet to comment on STJV’s open letter.