Sony has advanced a $3.6 billion bid to buy US video game studio Bungie, creators of "Destiny" and "Halo," with the aim of partnering it with its PlayStation Studios developer collective.

The companies say the deal aims to boost Sony's vision for online multiplayer titles, but is still pending approval from regulators.

"Bungie will continue to operate independently while maintaining the ability to self-publish and reach players wherever they choose to play," the group said in a seemingly reassuring message following Xbox competitor Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, which raised concerns about the potential exclusivity of key franchises.

According to a joint note, Bungie will become an independent subsidiary of Sony and will remain under the direction of its current management, led by its president and CEO, Pete Parsons.

Sony has made several acquisitions in recent years, increasing the number of participants in its PlayStation Studios program.

The most recent was the acquisition last June of indie studio Housemarque, maker of the best-seller "Returnal."

"This is an important step in our strategy to expand the reach of PlayStation to an even wider audience," said Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) President and CEO Jim Ryan.

The acquisition was well received by investors on the Tokyo stock exchange, with the Japanese group's shares up nearly 2% after the first hour of trading.