PlayStation may shake up Bungie's indie status
Dec 07, 2023 9:15 AMRecent reports suggest that Bungie, the famous developer of the Destiny franchise, could lose its status as an independent subsidiary of PlayStation Studios if it fails to meet certain financial targets. Since its acquisition by PlayStation in 2022, Bungie has enjoyed the ability to operate autonomously, determining its own projects and releasing games on multiple platforms. However, with performance potentially falling short of expectations, there's a risk that PlayStation could assume full control over Bungie's operations.
The board of Bungie, which includes PlayStation executives alongside Bungie’s leadership, has allegedly warned the developer about its revenues falling approximately 45% below this year's financial projections. To avoid a potential complete takeover by Sony, Bungie reportedly initiated a significant round of layoffs, affecting around a hundred employees, withheld holiday bonuses, froze new hires, and slashed travel budgets. In the gaming community, there is now concern over more potential layoffs and Sony's increased control if upcoming releases, like Destiny 2's 'The Final Shape,' fail to perform well. The delay of 'The Final Shape' to June 4, 2024, and rumors of the new game 'Marathon' being postponed until 2025, add to the unease within Bungie.
Is Bungie at risk of losing its independence within PlayStation Studios?Yes, Bungie is potentially at risk of losing its independence within PlayStation Studios if it doesn't achieve certain financial goals, which could lead to Sony taking full control over the company's operations and decisions.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Stimpy commented on: 2023-12-07 09:58:10
Looks like Bungie's cruising through some choppy waters with the big PlayStation at the helm; if those financial markers are missed, we might see a tighter grip on the creative wheel. It's a tough spot for Bungie, balancing the need for freedom with the pressure of performance—here's hoping they can navigate through this without losing what makes them unique in the gaming seas.
N3rdo commented on: 2023-12-07 09:48:06
Sounds like Bungie's in a real tight spot with PlayStation holding the reins now. It's a bummer to see creative powerhouses face such pressure; fingers crossed they navigate through this without losing what makes 'em special.
Rolling R!ck commented on: 2023-12-07 09:28:08
It's always a bummer hearing about layoffs and financial woes in the industry; Bungie's situation just underscores the precarious balance between maintaining creative independence and meeting the bottom line of corporate parents. Here's hoping the Guardians at Bungie navigate through this rough patch without too much turbulence and manage to keep their unique voice in a landscape that's all too quick to homogenize. 🎮💔
