Bungie Confirms Mass Layoffs

Bungie has confirmed a significant reduction in workforce, with PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst stating that “most of the Destiny team” is being let go. The studio also confirmed that some members of the Marathon team and supporting Sony Interactive Entertainment staff are affected. In a statement, Bungie admitted that Destiny 2 “fell short of expectations” over the past several years, and that the company can no longer operate at its previous size following the final content update for the game. This marks a major shift for one of the gaming industry’s most anticipated live-service titles. The admission that Destiny 2 failed to meet expectations suggests a strategic pivot away from the current model. With the Destiny team largely disbanded, the future of the franchise’s ongoing live-service support is in question, and the focus appears to be shifting toward the extraction shooter Marathon. The Marathon team remains, and Hulst described the game as “an important part” of PlayStation’s portfolio, though future projects are “too early to discuss.”

• Impact on Destiny 2: The layoffs are described as significant, affecting most of the Destiny team.
• Marathon’s Role: The Marathon team remains, and Hulst described the game as “an important part” of PlayStation’s portfolio, though future projects are “too early to discuss.”

Sources

• Gamespot — Confirmation of layoffs and Bungie's admission about Destiny 2.
• IGN — Details on the reorganization and the status of the Marathon team.