Destiny 2 Developer Bungie Faces Financial Challenges
Following recent layoffs at Bungie, the studio behind Destiny 2, reports suggest that the studio’s financial prospects may have been overstated to Sony, its parent company since 2022.
According to journalist Stephen Totilo, sources claim that the layoffs were necessary to address Bungie’s ongoing financial losses. The studio allegedly failed to meet financial targets promised to Sony and has been experiencing losses since the release of the Destiny 2 expansion Lightfall in 2023.
Reports indicate that the layoffs, which are the second round in less than a year, were not a reactionary measure to poor performance but a planned decision. It seems that Bungie’s management had foreseen the need for cost-cutting measures, even if the latest Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape, had exceeded expectations.
Previous reports from IGN have highlighted the challenging atmosphere within Bungie, with employees expressing dissatisfaction over leadership decisions aimed at maintaining the studio’s independence.
While Sony’s gaming division has been facing profit challenges, the responsibility for the job cuts at Bungie appears to fall on the studio’s management. Social media posts from staff members suggest frustration with promises of unrealistic growth from Bungie’s leadership, especially following the recent layoffs.
Despite positive critical reception, this year’s The Final Shape expansion for Destiny 2 reportedly sold less than its predecessor, further complicating Bungie’s financial situation. With Destiny 2 being the studio’s main source of revenue, the pressure is on Bungie’s leadership to demonstrate financial stability to Sony.