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Sony to Take Control of Bungie, Ending Studio’s Independence
In a recent earnings call, Sony revealed its plans to restructure the governance and leadership of Bungie, effectively ending the studio’s independence. This move comes as a surprise to many, considering the initial agreement at the time of acquisition that Bungie would retain its autonomy.
According to CFO Lin Tao, Sony was initially committed to offering an independent environment for Bungie. However, due to ongoing issues and performance concerns, this stance is being reevaluated. The company has undergone structural reform, which has led to a shift in Bungie’s role within the PlayStation ecosystem. In the long term, it appears that Bungie will be integrated into PlayStation Studios.
This news follows reports of high-profile departures among Bungie leadership, including Destiny creative heads Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy, as well as former game director Joe Blackburn. The mass exodus has raised questions about the studio’s ability to recover from these losses. The addition of PlayStation leaders overseeing the studio may be seen by some as a step in the right direction.
While this development may bring concerns about the future of beloved franchises like Destiny and upcoming Marathon, it is also possible that this change could bring new opportunities for growth and innovation under Sony’s guidance.
Source: www.forbes.com
