Sony is moving forward: Three years after acquiring Bungie, Sony suggests that the days of independent operation are gradually decreasing and its future lies in joining PlayStation Studios.
Bungie, the developer behind the popular Destiny franchise, is undergoing a significant transformation. In 2022, Sony acquired Bungie for $3.6 billion, marking a new chapter for the studio. Since then, Bungie has been gradually integrating into PlayStation Studios, moving away from its previous operational independence.
The integration process has been ongoing, with some parts of Bungie already moving under the PlayStation umbrella with little visible effect. Sony's CFO Lin Tao stated during the Q1 FY2025 earnings call that structural reforms have led to Bungie's closer integration into PlayStation. Although no exact timeline was given, Sony plans to fold Bungie fully into its first-party umbrella as part of its long-term strategy, especially with an emphasis on live-service projects.
This transition has not been without challenges. Bungie's workforce has shrunk from around 1,600 employees before layoffs in late 2023 and mid-2024, down to approximately 850 now. Player engagement and pre-orders for Destiny 2 expansions, including the recent "Edge of Fate," have declined notably, putting pressure on Bungie as it restructures. Employee morale is reportedly in "free fall" due to layoffs.
Despite these challenges, Bungie continues to support Destiny 2, which remains its primary ongoing project. Additionally, Bungie is developing a new game titled "Marathon." However, this project has encountered difficulties, including delays, which add complexity to Bungie's integration and future outlook under Sony's stewardship.
Public calls for more "accountability" from Bungie leadership on development budgets and deadlines have been made by Sony's PlayStation chairman Hiroki Totoki in 2024. Bungie's struggles with Destiny 2 have been well-documented, leading to public dissatisfaction from Sony.
Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, nicknamed "the car guy", is still in his position but could change once the studio is fully assimilated. The recent Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate expansion was a failure, causing concern for the future of the game and its studio. Criticism for layoffs, stolen assets, endless bugs in Destiny 2, and an inability to do anything with Marathon have also been levied against Bungie.
As Bungie continues to integrate into PlayStation Studios, it is expected to shift into a more typical first-party role, similar to Naughty Dog or Santa Monica Studio. The Secretlab Titan Evo, the best gaming chair mentioned in this article, may provide comfort to the Bungie team as they navigate this transition.
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- As Bungie transitions into PlayStation Studios, they may find comfort during their long hours of work with The Secretlab Titan Evo, the best gaming chair according to recent reviews.
- Fans have grown increasingly critical of Bungie's management, particularly regarding development budgets and deadlines, as illustrated by comments from Sony's PlayStation chairman Hiroki Totoki in 2024.
- Sony's plans for Bungie involve fully integrating the studio into its first-party umbrella, emphasizing live-service projects, similar to studios like Naughty Dog or Santa Monica.
- The new game development project titled "Marathon" faces delays, adding complexity to Bungie's integration process and future outlook under Sony's stewardship, a challenge similar to managing gadgets and technology.
