In a recent development within the gaming industry, Bungie, renowned for creating iconic titles such as Halo and Destiny, has been hit by a wave of layoffs. This setback comes as the latest blow in an ongoing series of challenges faced by companies within the gaming sector amidst the prevailing economic climate. The repercussions of these layoffs have been particularly significant, resulting in the postponement of highly anticipated releases, including Destiny 2’s “The Final Shape” DLC and “Marathon,” an in-development extraction shooter.
Layoffs at Bungie
While the exact number of employees affected by the layoffs at Bungie remains undisclosed, early reports suggest that “dozens of people” have been impacted. Notably, some high-level departures have raised eyebrows within the gaming community, causing a ripple effect across social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter.
This development comes on the heels of Sony’s acquisition of Bungie in 2022 for a staggering $3.6 billion, a move that allowed Bungie to maintain its independence as a developer.
Gaming industry layoffs in 2023
The gaming and esports industries have witnessed a tumultuous year, with tens of thousands of professionals losing their jobs due to the ever-tightening economic conditions. This year has been marked by numerous companies struggling to adapt, leaving a trail of displaced employees in its wake. Sadly, even those who manage to secure new positions within the industry often find themselves at risk of further layoffs.
Bungie’s CEO, Pete Parsons, has addressed the layoffs, though his response has drawn criticism from some quarters, with critics labeling it as “tone-deaf.” Parsons acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry but expressed optimism about the future. In his statement, he highlighted that some studios had shuttered completely in response to the harsh economic climate, referencing the closure of Volition, known for the “Saints Row” series, after over two decades in the business. He underscored the vulnerability of studios, emphasizing that even a single underperforming game could lead to their demise.
The layoffs at Bungie have had a direct impact on the release schedules of two highly anticipated projects. “Marathon,” the futuristic extraction shooter unveiled last year, is now slated for release in 2025, while “The Final Shape” DLC for Destiny 2 has been pushed back to the middle of 2024. These delays have come to light alongside revelations that Sony allocated a substantial sum of $1.2 billion in 2022 for “employee retention,” specifically aimed at preventing Destiny 2 developers from leaving Bungie. As it stands, it appears that social teams at Bungie have been the most affected, while developers remain unaffected.
Looking ahead, the long-term impact of these layoffs on Bungie remains uncertain. If the core development teams remain intact, the rollout of games and expansions may not be severely affected. However, the primary concern here is the unfortunate necessity for yet another company to implement layoffs in order to weather the challenging economic climate.
