Bungie developers expressing concerns over company’s future
Reports have surfaced that developers at Bungie are feeling anxious about the company’s future as its independent status in relation to Sony is uncertain.
An article from IGN reveals that, speaking anonymously, Bungie developers have described the atmosphere at the studio as “soul-crushing” following a recent wave of layoffs. There is also apprehension about the possibility of Sony taking over the company.
Although Sony assured that Bungie would continue to operate independently after its $3.7 billion acquisition in 2022, the report highlights that employees have been informed about the current board structure at Bungie being contingent on the company meeting specific financial targets.
Sources within Bungie have informed IGN that if these targets are not achieved, Sony would have the authority to “dissolve the existing board and take full control of the company.”
Bungie developers fear more layoffs may also occur
Many at the company speculate that concerns about a potential takeover were the driving force behind the significant layoffs earlier this year. Despite this, employees remain disheartened and worried about the possibility of further job cuts.
One anonymous developer expressed that the success of Destiny 2’s upcoming expansion, The Final Shape, which has been delayed to 2024, is crucial for the company. The feeling within the studio is that if the expansion is not successful, more layoffs could be imminent.
“We know we need Final Shape to do well,” a source at Bungie disclosed to IGN. “And the feeling at the studio is that if it doesn’t we’re definitely looking at more layoffs.”
Regarding the previous round of layoffs, developers also noted that they felt “discouraged” from discussing them. During a Q&A session with department heads following the layoffs, one developer shared that the leadership was questioned about considering salary reductions to prevent further layoffs, but the response was that Bungie was “not that type of company.”