Response to Bungie Layoffs
In a recent turn of events, Destiny 2 developer Bungie has made the tough decision to lay off 220 employees, accounting for approximately 17 percent of its workforce. This marks the second round of job cuts within a year, sparking outrage and criticism from current and former employees.
Bungie CEO Pete Parsons attributed the layoffs to “rising costs of development and industry shifts as well as enduring economic conditions.” However, this explanation did not sit well with the affected individuals or the gaming community at large.
Employee Reactions
Dylan Gafner, also known as dmg04, expressed his dismay on social media, calling the move “inexcusable” and highlighting the loss of industry-leading talent. Similarly, technical UX designer Ash Duong shared his frustration, emphasizing how employees who were once valued and important were now facing uncertain futures.
Former employees like Griffin Bennett and Liana Ruppert took a more direct approach by demanding Parsons’ resignation. The sentiment was echoed by the community, with notable content creator MyNameIsByf calling for a change in leadership to prevent further disasters.
Criticism and Concerns
The criticism aimed at Parsons stems from a series of troubling reports that have surfaced since the last round of layoffs. Employees described the mood at the studio as “soul-crushing” and raised concerns about the management’s indifference towards their well-being.
Reports of revenue below projections and a decline in Destiny 2’s popularity have further added to the uncertainty surrounding Bungie’s future. Despite promises of a “bigger, bolder, and brighter” future, the studio’s decisions have left many questioning the stability and direction of the company.