Sony Acquires Halo Creator Bungie As PlayStation Vs Xbox Console Arms-race Continues

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Previously owned by Microsoft, between 2000 and 2007, Bungie created Xbox's flagship Halo franchise.

Sony has agreed a US $3.6bn deal to acquire Bungie as the so-called console war between PlayStation and Xbox continues to be fought at the deal table.

In the wake of Microsoft’s US $69bn capture of Call of Duty owner Activision Blizzard last month, Sony’s PlayStation has bought Bungie - the studio behind Halo, Xbox’s most iconic game franchise.

Bungie was owned by Microsoft between 2000 and 2007, in that time delivering three Halo games exclusively for Xbox, before later moving on to develop non-exclusive games and franchises including Destiny (like Halo, it was also a popular sci-fi shooter) in partnership with Activision.

Jim Ryan, chief executive of PlayStation parent Sony Interactive Entertainment, says that Bungie will remain an independent and multi-platform studio and publisher.

Meanwhile, Bungie chief executive Pete Parsons also emphasised the intention to keep its games open to owners of both consoles (and PCs), along with plans to tool up.

“We remain in charge of our destiny.

“We will continue to independently publish and creatively develop our games. We will continue to drive one, unified Bungie community. Our games will continue to be where our community is, wherever they choose to play.

“With Sony’s support, the most immediate change you will see is an acceleration in hiring talent across the entire studio to support our ambitious vision.”