UPDATE: Bloomberg has reported that Bungie is planning ‘vital’ layoffs and that Destiny 3 shouldn’t be in the works. Bungie will pitch different Destiny tasks whereas the remaining group maintain and help Marathon.
The unique story follows:
Bungie introduced earlier at the moment that Destiny 2 help is coming to an finish as its subsequent replace can be its final. Naturally, followers are fairly upset.
The information come after a tumultuous few years for Bungie. In 2022, Sony acquired Bungie for $3.6 billion and ever since then, issues have been rocky. Final yr, Sony famous that Bungie was failing to meet expectations when it got here to Destiny 2’s efficiency, leading to a $204 million impairment loss. The losses have continued to pile up, as Sony not too long ago famous a $765 impariment loss following the launch of Marathon earlier this yr. Now, Bungie is shifting away from Destiny 2 whereas promising large adjustments for Marathon.
Fans have responded to the Destiny 2 information with nice disappointment, fearing this can be the starting of the finish for Bungie. “It’s over for Bungie,” speculated a user on X. “Destiny 2 died so Marathon may die somewhat bit later,” stated another user.
Others are extra hopeful, taking it to presumably imply that Destiny 3 is on the approach and Bungie is ending help for an older sport in favor of supporting a brand new one. “That is the right name. It ought to’ve ended years in the past with Witch Queen leaving us on a cliffhanger till D3. Here is hoping that they lastly put their give attention to a Destiny 3, and we will get again to enjoying daily once more,” stated an optimistic fan.
Another fan noted that they hoped Bungie is not sacrificing Destiny for Marathon: “I hope Destiny 3 is in early growth, this franchise deserves higher than being deserted for Marathon.”
Some aren’t as satisfied of the transfer signaling a rosier future for Destiny, although. “That’s not how I’m studying it. You wouldn’t announce the finish of Destiny 2 and not using a clear dedication to future Destiny titles,” stated The Verge’s Tom Warren.
Former Destiny 2 sport director Joe Blackburn also reflected on the information, expressing how a lot he valued his time engaged on the sequence. “Destiny made a mark on me as a participant first. Getting an opportunity to work in that world is an honor I am going to by no means absolutely find a way to repay,” Blackburn wrote on X. “Each out and in of sport, Destiny 2 solid the core recollections that made me who I’m at the moment. Thanks to everybody who introduced the tower to life on a regular basis.”
In the end, the future stays extraordinarily unclear. Bungie has extra tasks incubating and one in all them is probably going Destiny 3, however simply because one thing is in the very early phases doesn’t suggest it should launch. Incubation tasks are largely executed so groups can prototype and determine future video games earlier than greenlighting them for full manufacturing with large budgets and milestones. Respawn Leisure canceled two incubation tasks final yr, so there is not any telling what is going to come of those titles.
Both approach, Bungie will proceed to replace Marathon. The group not too long ago confirmed it was including extra PvE content material, seemingly as a approach to lure in gamers who aren’t into the PVP extraction gameplay. Marathon might evolve into one thing a bit extra broad to cater to a wider participant base. The sport’s participant counts are considerably decrease than Destiny 2, so it will be fascinating to see if Bungie can flip it throughout.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s information group. He covers all issues leisure, together with gaming, movie, and extra. Yow will discover him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.