Sony Confirms No Plans To Cancel Marathon As Bungie Further Gets Absorbed By PlayStation Studios

Since the official addition of Bungie to PlayStation took place in 2022, the impression was made that the developer would operate independently to work on titles in benefit of the platform. This was evident when speaking on multiplatform plans by Sony Interactive Entertainment at the time. Additionally, it was reported that about $1 billion from the acquisition plans was intended to retain staffing that were upset with this new arrangement too.

However, it appeared that was not the complete story as the industry watched since then. Bungie has fallen victim to layoffs with over 200 employees who exited the game studio. What’s more, this has taken place amid the then-September release for Marathon approaching – that was before being delayed. All the while staffing were being turned to PlayStation Studios as changes continued to be made by Sony leadership as time went on.

And now with Marathon aiming to release next year abruptly, corporate leadership has spoken on the current standing for the title. Via Video Game Chronicle, Sony CFO Lin Tao during an investor Q&A revealed that Marathon is not in any state to be canceled. “We are now fixing the problems, so we believe this launch will happen. If this launch is cancelled we’d need to do the revision of the valuation, however as of now this is not expected.”

Tao elsewhere during the Q&A also spoke on how Bungie is now underway to transitioning to PlayStation Studios with a lesser vision for its independence. “About the governance of Bungie, at the time of acquisition we were offering a very independent environment, so that was one way of thinking. However, thereafter, we have gone through structural reform, as we announced last year, so this independence is getting lighter, and Bungie is shifting into a role which is becoming more part of PlayStation Studios, and integration is proceeding.”

She continues by adding: “So in the long term, if you can see this as an ongoing process, the direction [for Bungie] is to become part of PlayStation Studios.” This does happen to align with a new entity – teamLFG – now operating at PlayStation Studios as well with a new IP underway. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you surprised by this new direction Sony Interactive Entertainment has in mind for Bungie?