- Bungie has announced widespread layoffs affecting a significant number of employees, including most of the Destiny team and some Marathon team members.
- The layoffs come as Destiny 2 reaches its end of service, with Bungie developers having anticipated job cuts for some time.
- Exact numbers for the layoffs have not been disclosed, but reports suggest a target of around 50% of the studio's workforce.
- Bungie communications manager urged fans not to blame themselves for the game's conclusion, expressing gratitude for nearly a decade of support.
- An update from PlayStation Studios indicated that most of the Destiny team is gone, along with some Marathon developers and support staff.
- Bungie has been a significant player in the gaming industry, known for its innovation and epic universes, but now finds itself at a crossroads.
- The studio's future projects are in early incubation, with only Marathon currently in active development.
- Sony acquired Bungie for $3.6 billion and has since taken impairment losses against it totaling $700 million.
Bungie has announced a significant reduction in its workforce, impacting most of the Destiny team as it transitions from Destiny 2 to focus on Marathon. This decision follows extensive discussions about the studio's long-term direction and resource needs.1235678910
The layoffs, which could affect 40-55% of the studio, come as Bungie faces challenges with its recent projects. “With great sadness, we are announcing a reduction in force as we reorganize Bungie,” the company stated.
As Bungie moves forward, it has confirmed that Destiny 2 will no longer receive new content, although it will remain playable. The studio's future projects are still in “early incubation,” with Marathon being the only title in active development.
Reports indicate that Bungie has struggled to get new games greenlit, raising doubts about its ability to produce another big-budget AAA title. “As the leaders of Bungie, past and present, we recognize Destiny 2 fell short of expectations these past several years,” the company acknowledged.
The layoffs have been anticipated for some time, with many employees bracing for the impact as the studio's direction shifted. Sony's acquisition of Bungie for $3.6 billion has also led to significant impairment losses, further complicating the studio's financial landscape.
“Bungie is undergoing significant layoffs, impacting a large portion of its workforce, particularly the Destiny team. The studio's future projects remain uncertain, with 'Marathon' being the only title in active development.”
Forbes
