NetEase Partners with Bungie to Launch Destiny: Rising Mobile Game

The gaming world is buzzing with exciting news: NetEase Games, a prominent Chinese publisher, has teamed up with Bungie to bring Destiny: Rising, a brand-new mobile game, to life. This collaboration is set to expand the widely popular Destiny franchise to mobile platforms for the first time, offering fans of the series a fresh way to engage with the universe they love.

A New Era for Destiny

Destiny: Rising will be the first mobile game based on the Destiny universe, a highly successful series that has attracted millions of players since its debut. This new game, described as a free-to-play RPG shooter, promises to deliver the same kind of action-packed excitement that fans expect from the franchise. Players will get to choose from a variety of hero characters and explore multiple game modes, including single-player, cooperative (co-op), and competitive multiplayer experiences.

Set in an alternate timeline within the Destiny universe, Destiny: Rising explores the world after the Dark Age. This is a fresh take on the lore that Destiny fans are already familiar with, but with new twists and stories for players to uncover. It’s a perfect mix for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Closed Alpha Test Coming Soon

For those eager to dive into the action, the wait won’t be long. A limited access closed alpha test is set to launch in November, giving players an early chance to try out the game. Players interested in participating can register to join the test and be among the first to experience this new chapter in Destiny's story.

Ethan Wang, Senior Vice President at NetEase Games, expressed the company's excitement about the project. "With Destiny: Rising, NetEase Games is honored to partner with Bungie to deliver a Destiny-caliber experience to mobile devices," Wang said. He went on to highlight the passionate global fanbase of the Destiny franchise and how this collaboration is a dream come true for both companies, as well as fans of the game.

Bungie's Expanding Universe

Bungie, the developer behind the original Destiny games, has always been known for building vast, immersive worlds. Terry Redfield, Bungie's creative lead, shared his excitement about the new mobile experience. “For over a decade, we have built this universe to contain many unique and wonderful stories,” Redfield said, adding that it’s thrilling to bring this beloved universe to mobile gamers in a new and innovative way.

Bungie’s commitment to expanding the Destiny universe has been evident for years. The partnership with NetEase is a natural continuation of Bungie's vision to reach more players and explore new platforms. For many, the move to mobile gaming is a logical next step in Destiny's evolution.

The History Behind the NetEase-Bungie Partnership

This isn’t the first time NetEase and Bungie have worked together. Back in 2018, NetEase made a substantial investment in Bungie, contributing over $100 million to acquire a minority stake in the studio. This deal wasn’t just about financial backing – it marked the beginning of a partnership aimed at helping Bungie expand its reach and develop new projects.

At the time of the investment, NetEase CEO William Ding shared that the goal was to support Bungie in becoming a “global, multi-franchise entertainment studio.” The mobile game, Destiny: Rising, seems to be a direct result of that vision, offering a new avenue for Bungie to grow its franchise and reach more players worldwide.

NetEase has experience in bringing popular gaming franchises to mobile platforms. For example, the company previously worked with Blizzard to develop Diablo Immortal, a mobile game that brought the Diablo series to a new audience. With this track record, it’s no surprise that Bungie chose NetEase as its partner for Destiny: Rising.

Sony's Acquisition of Bungie

Another significant factor shaping Bungie’s future is its acquisition by Sony. In 2022, Sony bought Bungie for $3.6 billion, a move that gave Bungie more resources to realize its ambitious plans. Even though Bungie is now part of Sony, the studio has retained its independence when it comes to publishing and developing its games. According to Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, the company is still “in charge of [its] destiny,” and the acquisition won’t change its core mission or the relationship with its community of players.

Since the acquisition, Bungie has been focused on ramping up hiring and expanding its capabilities. However, it’s also been making adjustments to manage costs and streamline development efforts. In July, the company laid off 220 employees, about 17% of its workforce, as part of a plan to focus its efforts on key projects, including Destiny and Marathon.

What’s Next for Destiny: Rising?

Destiny: Rising is more than just another mobile game – it represents a new chapter for the Destiny franchise and a chance for Bungie and NetEase to expand their reach in the gaming world. The free-to-play RPG shooter will offer players a variety of engaging game modes and a fresh take on the Destiny universe, all within the convenience of mobile gaming.

As the closed alpha test approaches, fans are eagerly waiting to see how this mobile experience will live up to the legacy of the Destiny franchise. If the partnership between Bungie and NetEase is any indication, Destiny: Rising could become a major hit in the world of mobile gaming, attracting both longtime fans and new players.

In the meantime, players can stay tuned for more updates and register for a chance to participate in the alpha test. Whether you're a veteran Guardian or a newcomer to the world of Destiny, there's plenty to be excited about with Destiny: Rising.