Bungie Faces Tough Times: A New Chapter Begins
In a sudden turn of events, Bungie, the studio behind Destiny 2, has revealed that they are undergoing a significant restructuring, resulting in 220 job cuts. CEO Pete Parsons cited “rising costs of development” and “enduring economic conditions” as reasons for this decision, emphasizing the need to refocus efforts solely on Destiny and Marathon. This shake-up affects 17% of Bungie’s workforce across all levels of the company.
The Fallout and Future Plans:
- 220 development roles eliminated, impacting every level of the company
- Generous exit packages offered to departing employees, including severance and health coverage
- Over 850 team members still dedicated to developing Destiny and Marathon
Parsons also disclosed plans for further integration with Sony Interactive Entertainment, with 155 employees being transferred to the publisher in the coming quarters. This move, a result of Sony’s acquisition of Bungie, aims to secure roles for as many employees as possible during this challenging transition.
Amidst these changes, Bungie is taking a bold step by entrusting a new sci-fi fantasy action game to PlayStation Studios, forming a brand-new studio under their umbrella. This decision comes hot on the heels of the success of Destiny 2’s recent expansion, The Final Shape, highlighting the studio’s ability to create engaging content while navigating economic uncertainties.
Looking Back to Move Forward:
- Acknowledgment of the success of The Final Shape expansion despite current challenges
- Explanation of the need for focus on two primary products, Destiny and Marathon
- Admission of past ambitions leading to financial strain and the necessity of drastic action
Parsons reflected on the past five years, during which Bungie worked on multiple projects across various franchises. However, the diversification of efforts ultimately stretched resources thin and challenged the studio’s financial stability. Despite exhaustive efforts to mitigate these challenges, restructuring became inevitable to ensure a sustainable future for Bungie.
In conclusion, as Bungie embarks on this transitional period, it’s essential to recognize the dedication and contributions of all employees affected by these changes. The studio remains committed to delivering quality content, supported by a strategic reorganization that aims to secure its place in the gaming industry for years to come.
