Bungie has announced layoffs for 17% of its workforce. Destiny 2: The Final Shape was easily one of the most anticipated expansions for the title that fans have eagerly waited for. After its release in July 2024, fans have been waiting to see where Bungie heads next with the beloved title. However, the Destiny-maker has made a strange move by cutting off 220 of its workforce this month. This is not the first time Bungie has laid off employees, as last year, the studio lost 100 people to the layoffs. Bungie CEO Pete Parsons has mentioned that the layoffs are due to 'rising development cost' and industry shifts.
Also read: Previously Delayed Destiny 2 Expansion The Final Shape Set To Be Showcased Next Week.
Bungie Layoffs Over 200 Employees Following Destiny 2: The Final Shape Release
According to Pete Parson, CEO of Bungie, the studio is struggling to endure current economic conditions, which led to this sudden shift. In a statement regarding this matter, he added:
Due to rising costs of development and industry shifts as well as enduring economic conditions, it has become clear that we need to make substantial changes to our cost structure and focus development efforts entirely on Destiny and Marathon
This statement was also confirmed by Gamespot's reports on the matter. Bungie is not the only studio who has been downsizing their unit.
Companies like Eidos, Riot, and multiple Microsoft Studios have been victims of layoffs since last year. As the development costs rise, studios find themselves in tougher positions to release games with AAA budgets while fueling the studio behind them.
Parson has also stated that the layoffs are happening at every level of Bungie, meaning they are not exclusive to the development team. He also added that most of Bungie's executive or senior positions are impacted by this change as well. While Bungie does promise a generous package including severance pay, bonus, health coverage, and more for a certain period, fans are not sure if the current layoffs were a great move by the Destiny-maker.
Destiny 2: Lightfall also impacted this decision, added Parson, as he mentioned the expansion failed to reach Bungie's 'quality standards'.
Even after the layoffs, the CEO has stated that Bungie is currently left with over 850 employees, who will focus their work on both upcoming Destiny and Marathon projects. This will mean a lot as fans anticipate newer content for Destiny, especially after The Final Shape expansion.