Sony makes a sizable acquisition in comparison to Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal, while Rockstar Games finally confirms that the nextGrand Theft Autogame is in development. Game Rant has compiled some of the biggest gaming news stories from this past week together into a concise post for fans and enthusiasts to stay up to date on the most important events in the industry per week. Highlighting the most relevant stories, this list is not inherently and totally objective, and will not contain every news story this week. Rather, this is intended for gaming fans who want a quick rundown on the largest/most impactful stories that occurred in the last week in games.
In this week’s recap ofgaming news, Sony acquiredHaloandDestinycreator Bungie, though it’s not in the efforts of console exclusivity. Though it’s been rumored and reported on prior, Rockstar Games confirmed thatGrand Theft Auto 6is officially in development, though not much else was announced. Google is reportedly adjusting its strategy with game streaming and Stadia to a different business strategy. The Nintendo Switch once again breaks another sales record, surpassing lifetime sales of the Wii as Nintendo celebrates its hybrid console’s success. All that and more in this week’s round up of the biggest news stories in the gaming industry.
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Sony Acquires Bungie For $3.6 billion
In a bid to expand the company’s live service offerings, Sony Interactive Entertainment announcedthe acquisition ofDestinyandHalocreator Bungie for $3.6 billion. Announced on Monday by both companies, the developer has expressed that Bungie games will remain multiplatform despite being acquired by Sony. Bungie will continue to operate as an independent studio supported by Sony, mostly serving as hiring support, as well as expanding efforts in Bungie’s new IP in development.
Sony’s primary plan with the acquisition of Bungie is to expand PlayStation’s live service titles, expanding beyond the focus of singleplayer-exclusive titles from other Sony studios like Naughty Dog or Insomniac Games. Specifically,Sony has 10 live service games in development, and all are planned for release between now and 2026. Additionally, this deal allows Sony and Bungie to continue efforts in furthering the multimedia expansion of theDestinyuniverse beyond the games.
Rockstar Games Confirms Grand Theft Auto 6 In Development
Multiple reports and rumors have long hinted at the nextGrand Theft Autogame’s existence, butRockstar Games finally confirmed a newGrand Theft Autogame is in development. Confirmed alongside the release date announcement ofGrand Theft Auto 5on PS5 and Xbox Series X, Rockstar specifically stated that “active development for the next entry in theGrand Theft Autoseries is well underway,” though no other details were given. Many rumors and reports have stated thatGrand Theft Auto 6is returning to Vice City, while a Bloomberg report states that development ofGTA 6has changed substantially to combat crunch at Rockstar Games.
Stadia Restructuring Towards Emphasizing Google Stream, Direct Deals
Google is reportedly emphasizinga different approach to its game streaming technology and Stadia, according to a report by Business Insider. Rather than looking to expand the Stadia library with third-party titles, publishers and developers are reportedly taking pitches from Google as a direct game streaming service, looking to power game streaming directly instead of emphasizing Stadia as a platform. This can take the form of Stadia-like game streaming as expected, as well as other gaming-adjacent projects.
One example is Google has reportedly partnered with Peloton to launchLanebreak, a rhythm-based workout game on Peloton bikes that is reportedly powered by “Google Stream,” the rebranded name for Stadia’s technology. Google is reportedly seeking “white-label” deals for Google Stream, with Business Insider reporting that Google is only dedicating “20% of the focus” to Stadia.
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Switch Becomes Third Best-Selling Nintendo Console Sold
As of the end of 2021, Nintendo reported that the Nintendo Switch had become the third best-selling console in the company’s history. The Nintendo Switch has surpassed the Wii’s lifetime sales, clocking in at 103.54 million units sold by the end of last year. Only trailing behind the Game Boy and Nintendo DS lifetime sales, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has once again reiterated thatthe Nintendo Switch is in the “middle” of its life cycle. Nintendo has also reiterated that it has no plans to make any acquisitions like Microsoft or Sony, stating it intends to invest more into its existing first-party studios instead.
State of Play Gives Deep Dive On Gran Turismo 7 Gameplay
PlayStation fans got their first big look atGran Turismo 7during Sony’s recent State of Play dedicated to the upcoming racing title. Tons of new gameplay features were shown off during the thirty-minute State of Play; showcasing the game’s world map, progression, events, as well asthe 400 types of cars that will be present inGran Turismo 7’s lineup.Gran Turismo 7releases on June 08, 2025.
DICE Delays Season One Content For Battlefield 2042, Promises Fixes
AsBattlefield 2042struggles post-launch, DICE has announced it will bedelaying the first season of content forBattlefield 2042to a release window of “early summer.” DICE primarily intends to work on improving the base game experience before focusing on bringing seasonal content to the game. DICE did provide a roadmap of the content planned for next summer, but is putting in the effort to “address feedback and implement extensive fixes to the game” from now until then.
Yacht Club Games Announces Mina The Hollower, Surpasses Kickstarter Goal
After supportingShovel Knightand many related spin-offs, Yacht Club Games is moving on to a brand-new IP on Kickstarter. EntitledMina the Hollower, the 8-bit Game Boy inspired top-down adventure gameplaces players in the titular shoes of Mina the mouse. Mina explores various dungeons, solving environmental puzzles, and battling enemies with a powerful whip. The game has already surpassed its $300,000 Kickstarter goal in the last 24 hours, growing beyond 7,000 backers already.
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