In an unexpected twist, Sony is reportedly taking over Bungie, classifying the initial $3.6 billion acquisition as a "failed investment." This bold move comes amidst a backdrop of internal turmoil and a strategic shift within Sony's approach to live service games. With Bungie under the microscope, it appears Sony's foray into the realm of continuously evolving online game experiences, a sector where Destiny 2was once the prime example of how to do live service right, hasn't gone according to plan.
Destiny 2 content creator, Aztecross, recently uploaded a video claiming to receive an anonymous email detailing the rift between Sony and Bungie. As shared on Reddit, part of the email claims Sony's U.S. leadership is proposing a more direct intervention to fix Bungie's shortcomings. This approach contrasts Sony Japan's plans to overhaul Bungie's teams, including those working on future projects like Marathon.
What's particularly concerning is the part where the email says that Bungie hasn't done what Sony bought it for: advise its first-party studios.
Sony most recently canceled a swath of multiplayer titles, including Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Online, Insomniac Games' Spider-Man: The Great Web, and a Twisted Metal reboot helmed by an unconfirmed studio. Most believed that Bungie played a part in the cancelations, but this raises concerns about whether Bungie gave sound advice.