Destiny 2 Support Ends as Bungie Shifts Focus, No Destiny 3 in Sight

What does it mean for one of the most beloved sagas of recent years when its developer decides to end support for its main game? The Destiny 2 community faces this question after Bungie's announcement about the cessation of live-service content support for the game next month, marking the close of an era that began with great fanfare in 2014.

This decision, communicated by Bungie last week, sparked a wave of concern among players and the industry. Not only does it signal the end of active support for a title with nearly a decade of history, but it also raises questions about Bungie's future, especially amidst rumors of impending layoffs and the quiet performance of their recently released "ultra hardcore extraction shooter," Marathon.

Bungie shared its sentiments in an official statement, emphasizing the privilege of having built the Destiny universe alongside its players. "For almost 12 years, we have had the joy and honor to explore the Destiny universe with you all," the company affirmed.

"While our love for Destiny 2 has not changed, it has become clear that after The Final Shape, we have reached the time for our shared worlds, and Destiny, to live beyond Destiny 2."

The news triggered a massive reaction among fans. An online petition, initiated by Harley Casto, calling on Sony to approve the development of Destiny 3, quickly surpassed 120,000 signatures, reaching over 220,000 in just a few days. Casto articulated the widespread sentiment, expressing that "the desire for new adventures, fresh storylines, and innovative gameplay features is palpable among players everywhere."

Despite the community's outcry, the likelihood of seeing Destiny 3 appears slim. According to Bloomberg, Bungie will face "significant" layoffs as a direct consequence of ending Destiny 2 support. Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier explained in a social media post that the reason a team wasn't formed for Destiny 3 two years ago was "how much money it would take."

Although Destiny 3 is not in active development, Bungie is exploring new ideas. The company is working on several new game pitches, some of which are set in the Destiny universe, though final approval from Sony is not yet guaranteed. This suggests that while Destiny 2's format is ending, the lore and essence of the saga might find new ways to manifest.

In the meantime, Bungie has promised that Destiny 2 will remain playable, just as the original Destiny is today. Changes in the final update "will aim to ensure that Destiny 2 is a welcoming place for players to return to," implying a commitment to accessibility and user experience, even without new live-service content.

With the release of The Final Shape expansion in June 2024, can the Guardian community find solace in a universe that, for many, always seemed destined for a third installment?