Tech Stock Roundup: Sony Revives Live-Service Ambitions, OpenAI Slashes Microsoft Revenue Share, Blockchain Disrupts Travel Industry

Key Takeaways

• Sony announced the launch of the Team LFG to revive its live-service ambitions.
• OpenAI will reduce Microsoft’s share from 20% to 10% as part of a new financial structure.
• Travel giants like TUI and startups like GOeureka are adopting blockchain to bypass intermediaries and improve data accuracy.

From PlayStation’s latest multiplayer venture to OpenAI’s revised deal with Microsoft and blockchain innovations transforming travel, major industry players are recalibrating their strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tech-driven world.

Sony Launches New Studio Led by Fortnite

After a string of live-service flops, including the failed hero shooter Concord, PlayStation is taking another swing with Team LFG—a new studio led by Fortnite, Roblox, Destiny, and more talent.

Announced on May 7, Team LFG aims to build “immersive multiplayer worlds” with action gameplay designed for long-term engagement. Their debut game blends elements of platformers, life sims, and “frog-type games,” set in a comedic, mythic sci-fi universe.

The move comes as Sony tries to revive its live-service ambitions after delays and cancellations of earlier projects. Despite strategic tensions, Sony remains committed to building a lasting multiplayer franchise.

Team LFG’s leadership brings deep experience from successful live-service titles. With Fortnite now functioning as a social platform, Sony hopes to carve out a similar niche, bolstered by its past investments in Epic Games.

Sony’s 6758 stock decreased by 2% last week in Tokyo, while SONY stock on Nasdaq dipped by 2.2%.

OpenAI To Halve Microsoft’s Revenue Share by 2030

OpenAI plans to cut Microsoft’s revenue share from 20% to 10% by 2030 as part of a broader restructuring. The move follows OpenAI’s decision to remain under nonprofit board control and shift its for-profit arm into a public-benefit corporation.

The change was disclosed to investors , signaling OpenAI’s intent to reduce payouts to Microsoft and other partners while continuing their collaboration. Microsoft, however, is reportedly seeking extended access to OpenAI’s technology beyond 2030.

This shift comes as OpenAI secures massive investments—including a $500 billion data center initiative with SoftBank and Oracle—and faces mounting costs in pursuing artificial general intelligence (AGI).

CEO Sam Altman reaffirmed OpenAI’s AGI ambitions, describing it as a tool to empower humanity.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is developing advanced AI models to reduce dependence on OpenAI, even as both companies maintain a public commitment to their partnership.

Last week, Microsoft stock increased by 0.8% in New York, getting close to $450 per share.

Travel and Tech Firms Showcase Blockchain Innovations

At a recent hackathon in Frankfurt, travel and tech companies unveiled new blockchain tools that could transform how flights and travel services are sold, paid for, and managed.

Built on the Camino Network—a blockchain tailored for travel—teams focused on payment innovations, CO2 offsetting, and group travel. Unimoni connected 300,000 Indian travel agencies to the network, enabling local payments.

SWISS introduced a Web3-integrated Travel ID for managing credentials and vouchers. Hotelplan Group developed a tool for decentralized group bookings with separate payments.

These solutions aim to reduce costs, improve flexibility, and enhance sustainability. SWISS project manager Mickael Woelcke highlighted the potential for faster partner integration and lower distribution costs. Chain4Travel CEO Pablo Castillo noted some solutions could cut costs by up to 98%.

The travel industry is increasingly exploring blockchain. TUI uses a system called BedSwap to manage hotel inventory without intermediaries.

Platforms like GOeureka aim to bypass high booking fees, while projects like FlightChain seek to unify flight data for accuracy.

Deutsche Lufthansa stock decreased by 1.9% last week in Frankfurt, American Airlines shares jumped by 5.6% in New York, and IAG stock increased by 12% in London.