Sony’s splashy $3.6 billion Bungie acquisition hasn’t just soured it’s backfiring. The move, intended to fuel a live-service boom, has now led to an official impairment loss. That’s corporate speak for: “We overpaid, and it’s not working.”
Bungie acquisition forces a tough financial hit
Sony CFO Lin Tao delivered the sobering update during the company’s fiscal Q2 earnings call. According to Tao, Destiny 2 has failed to meet expectations on both revenue and player engagement. And it’s not just a dip it’s a deep cut.
“Due to changes in the competitive environment,” Tao said, “we’ve revised our projections downward and taken an impairment loss against part of Bungie’s assets.”
Destiny 2 has clearly hit a wall. Since the release of The Final Shape, interest has fallen off, player counts have dipped, and community sentiment is circling the drain. Sony bought Bungie for its live-service expertise but instead of driving growth, the deal is dragging.
Wake of the Water update transforms Enshrouded with dynamic water, fishing, amphibious combat, and a massive new biome ahead of 1.0 launch.
Sony Bungie acquisition fallout includes canceled projects
The damage hasn’t been limited to Destiny. Multiple Sony multiplayer titles have been quietly canned. Bungie’s upcoming Marathon project, once hyped, is now marred by plagiarism accusations and internal uncertainty.
In response, Sony is tightening its grip. Bungie, which previously operated with high autonomy, is now being folded directly into PlayStation Studios. After layoffs and public blowback, the message is clear: independence is over.
Not all is bleak for Sony’s first-party plans
Even so, Sony’s fortunes aren’t flatlining. Tao pointed to Helldivers 2 as a standout hit, especially after landing on Xbox. The co-op shooter has boosted engagement across PS5, Xbox, and PC, turning into a rare live-service win.
Other highlights include:
- Ghost of Tsushima sequel “Ghost of Yotei” selling 3.3 million units
- MLB The Show 25 showing solid performance
- Ongoing growth plans for PlayStation Studios
These bright spots offer some relief, but they also sharpen the contrast with Bungie’s struggles.
Bungie’s future, Sony’s patience, and what’s next
There’s no sugarcoating it Sony Bungie acquisition optimism has burned off. What was once a strategic play to dominate live-service gaming now reads like a cautionary tale. Bungie’s integration may salvage something, but the cost has already been paid.
And the industry is watching. One hit can’t cover a billion-dollar miss forever.
