Summary
Destinyseries developerBungieis laying off over 200 people, which is roughly 17% of the studio’s entire workforce.BungieCEO Pete Parsons declared this round of layoffs as “one of the most difficult changes we’ve ever had to make as a studio,” as the developer evaluates its development efforts forDestiny 2andMarathon.
TheDestiny 2: The Final Shapeexpansionlaunched on June 4, and the Salvation’s Edge raid was released on June 7 to mark the true end of the decade-long Light and Darkness saga.The Final Shapewas generally well-received by critics and longtimeDestiny 2fans, and Bungie began to shift its focus to the game’s first episode, Echoes, on June 11. Although fans criticized the delivery and pacing of the episodic story, interest inDestiny 2appeared to be very high throughout the summer. Despite the expansion’s successful launch, Bungie notes that it was not enough to pull the studio out of the red, leading to cost-cutting measures.
A statement released by CEO Pete Parsons confirmed that Bungie is laying off 220 people, including some in executive and senior leader roles. Parsons notes that rising development costs, industry shifts, and difficult economic conditions are the reasons for the round of layoffs at Bungie, citing that changes needed to be made forthe future ofDestiny 2andMarathon. Those affected by the layoffs will receive a “generous exit package,” including severance, bonus and health coverage. Moreover, Parsons confirms that Bungie will integrate 155 of its current roles, or roughly 12% of the studio’s current workforce, into Sony Interactive Entertainment over the next few quarters. This decision will “save a great deal of talent that would otherwise have been affected by the reduction in force,” implying that those 155 people would have been laid off as well if the SIE integration had not happened.
Destiny 2 Developer Bungie Is Laying Off 220 People
Further in the statement, Parsons confirms that Bungie is working with PlayStation Studios leadership to form a new studio to continue development of a new action game set in a new science-fantasy universe. Development of this new title would not have continued without direct involvement from PlayStation Studios, since Bungie stretched its resources and talent too thin with other incubation projects,Destiny 2, andMarathon. Parsons states that Bungie became “overly ambitious,” leading to the studio falling into the red financially. A similarly unfortunate situation happened in October 2023, whenBungie was hit by layoffs in a Sony-led cost-cutting measure.
Bungie now has roughly 850 employees after the layoffs, and the development ofDestiny 2content andMarathonwill continue.Destiny 2Episode 2: Revenant, the game’s next episode, will bring changes to the way the game’s story will be told going forward, as the entire Revenant story will be available from the start of the episode.
Destiny 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian’s look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.An Immersive StoryYou are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.Guardian ClassesChoose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
