Bungie, the Destiny 2 developer, has revealed plans to lay off 220 staff members from July 31, 2024, citing the rising cost of development, industry shifts, and economic conditions as primary reasons. Although this decision was difficult to make, the company asserts it was necessary in order to focus on developing Destiny and Marathon. In a bid to secure its future, Bungie’s CEO Pete Parsons has announced two major steps: an integration with Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) that will see 155 roles move to SIE over the next few quarters, and the creation of a new studio within PlayStation Studios to continue development of an action game in a brand-new science-fantasy universe.
The layoff includes both executives and senior leadership roles, representing a significant shakeup within Bungie. This move does not seem to favor any executive or senior level, departure from the norm as marketing and QA departments often face job cuts before senior leadership. The assumption is that these layoffs are part of a strategic plan, rather than quick tactical moves to protect certain positions within the company.
Despite these significant staff reductions, Bungie remains optimistic. Parsons promises the studio, still home to over 850 team members, will continue to create exceptional gaming experiences with Destiny and Marathon. Nevertheless, these layoffs are likely to impact the development of these titles, raising questions about their future trajectories and Bungie’s ability to support these games. Regardless of how it impacts fans, the staff layoffs seem to be a necessary measure in the current economic climate.
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