Summary
The recent layoffs atBungiecaused quite a stir in the industry, but a new report claims that the current state of employees at the company is far worse. Previousreports suggested that the layoffs came directly from Bungie and not Sony, but new information has come to light since, claiming that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.
2023 hasn’t been a great year for the gaming industry, considering there have been unprecedented layoffs across studios due to a global economic slowdown. It wasn’t long before Bungie joined in and laid off close to 100 developers, accounting for around 8% of its total workforce. Reports revealed that a 45% decline in revenue projections and an overall drop in popularity ofDestiny 2were the chief reasons behind this; however, Bungie’s statement regarding the layoffs did not confirm these reasons and only reassured fans of its commitment towardsDestiny 2. Moreover, it also announced thatDestiny 2’sThe Final Shapeexpansion has been delayed to June 2024, to ensure that its quality remains impeccable. However, a new report has disclosed the harrowing situation of the developers currently working at Bungie.
Bungie’s Struggle to Maintain its Independence
Asreported by IGN, the layoffs at Bungie were a last-ditch effort by its leadership to keep the studio’s independence intact. In its 33 years of existence, Bungie has strived for independence, as it even separated from Microsoft and Activision after certain disagreements. Even afterSony announced the Bungie acquisition, Bungie reassured fans that it would keep its independence, which now seems to be slipping away. IGN’s sources revealed that Bungie is required to meet certain financial goals in order to maintain control over the board, and failure to do so will give Sony the power to dissolve the board and appoint its own candidates. This is when Bungie decided to cut costs and lay off a big chunk of its workforce as it is still heavily investing inMarathonandThe Final Shape.
Several sources described the studio’s environment as “soul-crushing,” and claimed that the management wasn’t doing much to improve it. One source also mentioned that there is a rift between the leadership and the employees, and that the trust between them has “eroded.” Another source remarked thatBungie’s leadership isn’t acknowledging the data, and how it “got rid of some of our most knowledgeable beloved folks who have been here for 20+ years,” adding, “Everyday I walk in afraid that I or my friends are next. No one is safe.”
Aside from this, the report also mentioned that the layoffs were just one part of the cost reduction, as the studio has implemented additional cost-cutting measures, like “reduced travel budgets, elimination of holiday bonuses, keeping its annual Bungie Day virtual, delaying its week-long company “Pentathalon” event to next December, and reducing numerous morale events such as cooking and knitting classes from monthly to quarterly. Furthermore, Bungie even laid off around 10% of its QA team and reportedly said that the layoffs were a “lever” that could be pulled again.
We got rid of some of our most knowledgeable beloved folks who have been here for 20+ years. Everyday I walk in afraid that I or my friends are next. No one is safe.
After the launch ofLightfall, there has been a notabledecline inDestiny 2’s popularity as indicated by the drop in its average player count. However, Bungie’s efforts to recover have been of little consequence as it recently pulled aDestiny 2Starter Pack which the fans had labeled as a money-grab move. This situation casts a shadow of doubt over Bungie’s other projects, like the rumoredDestiny 2animated show or the team-based action game currently in development. Right now, employees and fans are hoping that Bungie manages to scrape through this without another round of layoffs.
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.
