Sony’s recent acquisition of Bungie has come as bit of a surprise to many, not just because of the scale and nature of the deal, but also because of what it means for how PlayStation is changing its approach over the long-term. PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan has talked about how Bungie is going to aid in the development of first party PlayStation live service games, and how the acquisition is going to help Sony “considerably accelerate” its ambitious plans in the space.
In fact, it seems like that’s going to begin taking shape in the coming years. Speaking recently during Sony’s quarterly earnings call, chief financial officer Hiroki Totoki doubled down on recent statements by other PlayStation execs about how Sony’s first party studios “will learn from Bungie” in terms of crafting and sustaining live service experiences. Totoki also confirmed that Sony plans to release at least 10 live service games for the PS5 in the next few years, by March 2026.
These games are yet to be officially announced, of course, but some educated guesses can be made about what these might include. PlayStation’s partnerships with independent AAA team Haven Studios, Deviation Games, and Firewalk Studios are all centered on new PS5-exclusive live service IPs. Naughty Dog, meanwhile, is currently working on a standalone multiplayer The Last of Us game, while Insomniac Games is also currently working on an online PS5 game (possibly related to Marvel). Meanwhile, leaks have also claimed that a free-to-play Twisted Metal game is currently in the works.
Of course, Bungie itself also has a new multiplayer IP currently in development, though that is going to launch as multiplatform title.