Its in-house studios are also developing titles for the next generation PlayStation VR2 headset, due to launch early next year.

Sony's push on to other platforms comes as it has struggled to produce enough PlayStation 5 units due to supply chain snarls. 'If Sony can pull off what they did with single player experiences but (as) multiplayer experiences across platforms, on the PC, on consoles and maybe even on the phone, then all bets are off,' said Toto, pointing to the success of online games such as Fortnite from Epic Games. Sony gaming chief Jim Ryan has raised objection about the $69 billion mega-deal's potential impact on PlayStation users. The strength of PlayStation's studio network has drawn praise as a key differentiator with Xbox maker Microsoft (MSFT.O), which is trying to buy Activision Blizzard (ATVI.O). 'I think that they're still going to add studios,' said Serkan Toto, founder of the Kantan Games consultancy. Given the scope of the transformation targeted by the gaming business, analysts expect further dealmaking from Sony. Hulst, who is based in the Netherlands and took up his post in 2019, has overseen the growth of PlayStation Studios to 19 studios, with additions including Nixxes, which ports console games to PC, and mobile developer Savage Game Studios. Sony is producing a growing number of game adaptations, with this year's 'Uncharted' movie grossing more than $400 million globally and a TV series based on 'The Last of Us' franchise from its Naughty Dog studio launching on HBO next year. 'You should think of collaborations on the game development side first and foremost, but it's also not unthinkable with our PlayStation Productions efforts that we explore opportunities,' Hulst said of the FromSoftware investment. Other investments include the purchase of a minority stake in Japanese developer FromSoftware, whose action role playing game 'Elden Ring' has sold more than 16.6 million units. The radical shift is reflected in its recent deals including the $3.6 billion acquisition of Bungie, the studio behind the multiplayer 'Destiny' franchise, which Sony operates outside its PlayStation Studios network. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Register

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