Sony’s first-party studios have long contributed to PlayStation-exclusive titles' reputation for delivering mature and complex storytelling experiences. Therefore, Sony’s acquisition ofDestiny 2developerBungiein 2022 surprised much of the gaming world.Bungie is best known for bothDestinyand the Xbox-exclusiveHalofranchisein the series' heyday. Sony explained that Bungie would fill a crucial role, aiding in other first-party studios' creation and nurturing of live-service titles. Up to this point, Bungie and Sony have yet to produce any public evidence of their work together, leading to some confusion among fans. Sony’s acquisition of Bungie might make more sense on May 24, as Sony is likely to reveal one of its most highly-anticipated titles as part of its PlayStation Showcase.
Bungierose to fame as the creator of the fan-favoriteHaloseries, which single-handedly paved the way for Xbox to enter the larger gaming conversation. Following a critically and commercially acclaimed trilogy, Bungie moved on to theDestinyfranchise, a live-service action-MMO that the company has been solely focused on for nearly nine years. In 2022, it was announced that Sony was acquiring the studio. WithDestiny 2fully online and cross-platform, the move made little sense. However, recent rumors indicate that Sony is looking to make big moves with its largest IPs, with one, in particular, being adapted for large-scale online multiplayer. On May 24, that title, and Bungie current role at PlayStation, may see a joint reveal.
RELATED:Bungie’s Next IP Might Ditch Tiger Engine for Something New
The Last of Us Multiplayer Title May Be Live-Service
During Summer Game Fest 2022, developer Naughty Dog revealed the development of astandaloneThe Last of Usmultiplayer title. While no concrete details were revealed, Naughty Dog promised more information would arrive in 2023. However, that hasn’t stopped fans and industry veterans alike from speculating what exactly the title may entail. By analyzing Sony’s acquisition of Bungie that same year, and the mysterious aura that surrounds both the developer and Naughty Dog’s title, it’s possible that the two are connected.
Were Bungie to be working onThe Last of Usmultiplayer game, the title may be revealed asSony’s first live-service title. Rumors have circulated that Sony has at least 2 live-service titles in development currently, andThe Last of Uswould lend itself wonderfully to the format, as players seek to survive the threat of both the infected and their fellow man. It’s possible a previous multiplayer mode, Factions, could be expanded to create entire communities within the title, allowing for diverse roles and faction-specific elements. Given the current popularity of the franchise, a live-serviceThe Last of Ustitle could be an absolute juggernaut release, attracting fans across both the gaming and film communities.
Bungie’s First Major Contribution May Be Revealed on May 24th
With Sony’s PlayStation Showcase set to kick offSummer Game Fest 2023on May 24, all the pieces are in place for a huge reveal. Naughty Dog promised more information this year, and the PlayStation Showcase is the absolute best place to finally pull back the curtain. Fans of The Last of Us have been anticipating the title for quite some time. Were it to be revealed as a live-service offering, Sony could deliver twice the excitement to Bungie fans.
The announcement that Bungie is contributing to a live-serviceThe Last of Ustitle could be one ofthe biggest news stories of 2023. The culmination of live-service gaming, one of the genre’s most successful developers, and Sony’s highly-revered IP has the potential to produce a truly exceptional experience. While the title may not be cross-console, Sony has announced that its live-service offerings will launch day one on PC, opening the door for a massive community of gamers. Very soon, the nature of bothThe Last of Usmultiplayer title andBungie’s recent work could be revealed. Right now, all eyes are on June 24, 2025.
MORE:A Battle Royale Mode for The Last of Us Could Lean Into One Concept
