In this episode 48 we talk about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hints at starring in an upcoming movie based on a video game series, what series do we think it could be?  We also take a look at the latest trailer for the upcoming live-action Halo TV series.

This week also sees the launch of the latest Pokémon title with Pokémon Legends Arceus, where it reached the number 1 spot in the UK multi-platform charts.

Then finally, we talk about the bomb-shell Sony has just dropped – They’re acquiring Bungie, the original Halo creators, for an eye-watering $3.6 billion.

Mentioned in Episode 48

• Pokémon Legends Arceus
• Valve Steam Deck
• Destiny 2

The post Episode 48: Steam Deck Gets a Release Date and Sony Buys Bungie! appeared first on Retro Ages.

Following hot on the heels of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Sony has announced its purchase of famed developer Bungie. The Halo and Destiny developer had actually only split from Activision Blizzard three years earlier, taking their latest creation Destiny with them.

While this new owner may have many Destiny fans concerned any future DLC or sequels could be PlayStation exclusives, the head of PlayStation, Jim Ryan, has confirmed that Bungie will remain an independent and multi-platform developer.

Jim Ryan even went as far as penning a post on the official PlayStation blog outlining their desire to help “to enhance Bungie’s existing IP portfolio” and to ensure that the “Legendary development studio [remains] independent and multi-platform”.

This means that Xbox, and perhaps even Nintendo, owners could see future titles from Bungie appearing on those systems, accompanied by a Sony Studios publishing credit. This wouldn’t be the first time that a Sony Studios game had made its way into a rival platform, as last year’s MLB The Show even launched day one on Microsoft’s Game Pass service.

What does Sony get out of this?

So what does Sony expect in return for their purchase? It’s likely Bungie’s experience in both the development of successful multiplayer and live service titles. Ever since the original Halo with its options to play 16 player LAN games on consoles, to Halo 2 being the defining title of the original Xbox Live, and recently with Destiny 2’s expansive ever-evolving worlds, Bungie has always been on the forefront of console multiplayer gaming. This is an area where Sony has typically fallen behind their main rival, Microsoft, when it comes to games.

So while $3.6 billion may seem a steep price for Sony to acquire Bungie. They’re not just purchasing the company and Destiny, but their knowledge and future assistance in publishing more multiplayer and live service titles.

Do you think Sony has made a wise investment? Do you think Microsoft should have brought Bungie back into the fold? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Sony Acquires Original Halo Developer, Bungie, for $3.6 billion appeared first on Retro Ages.