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Sea of Thieves and Destiny 2 Announce Crossover Event with Lightbearer Cosmetics
Rare’s Sea of Thieves, the popular pirate adventure game available on Xbox Game Pass and now PlayStation, is set to collaborate with Bungie’s acclaimed shooter, Destiny 2. This unexpected partnership brings a range of Destiny-themed cosmetics to the swashbuckling world of Sea of Thieves, marking an interesting moment for Bungie, a studio with a history connected to Microsoft and Xbox before its later acquisitions.
Destiny-Inspired Cosmetics Arrive in the Pirate Emporium
The Lightbearer cosmetics collection introduces various items inspired by the Destiny universe to Sea of Thieves. Players can now adorn their pirate ships with new flags and liveries themed around Destiny. Furthermore, pirates can customize their characters with costumes resembling iconic Destiny figures, such as the Drifter. The update also includes weapon skins and the addition of a Destiny Ghost companion, which playfully hovers near the ship’s bow. All these items are accessible through the in-game Pirate Emporium.
Microsoft’s Evolving Strategy and Cross-Platform Initiatives
Originally launched in 2018 for Xbox and PC, Sea of Thieves expanded its reach to PlayStation platforms in April of the previous year. This move reflects a broader strategic shift by Microsoft, indicating a willingness to release certain first-party titles on rival consoles. The release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PlayStation, albeit with a timed exclusivity period, further exemplifies this approach. While Sony has yet to fully reciprocate with PlayStation exclusives on Xbox, the company has adopted a strategy of releasing a significant portion of its first-party games on PC.
Developer Insights on the Collaboration
“Despite seeming like an unconventional pairing at first glance, the class-based gameplay and cooperative elements of Destiny resonated with the ‘crew-like’ experience in Sea of Thieves, making it a compelling match,” explained Adam Park from Rare. “Coupled with Destiny’s distinctive iconography, vibrant art direction, and grand, mythical atmosphere, the collaboration felt natural.”
Crafting a Unique Crossover Experience
According to Microsoft’s official announcement, the project has been underway since 2023. “From the initial conceptual stages to the finalization of designs that respected both game worlds, each phase pushed us to innovate,” stated Andria Warren of Rare. “We explored innovative ways to integrate iconic Destiny features into Sea of Thieves, translating the respective tones, visual styles, and characters to achieve something original yet unmistakably authentic. We are incredibly proud of the outcome!”
Sea of Thieves: Ongoing Seasons and Evolution
Sea of Thieves is currently progressing through its 15th season. For returning players, the core gameplay remains centered around high-seas adventures and engaging interactions with friends. Meanwhile, Destiny 2 has experienced considerable evolution since its launch. A recent Game Developers Conference (GDC) talk explored Bungie’s strategies for revitalizing the game and overcoming challenges faced in late 2022.