Games Read the original on Variety 2 min read 0

Sony-owned Bungie announces major layoffs following Destiny 2 update

PlayStation-owned studio Bungie has announced a significant reduction in force following the release of its final content update for Destiny 2. The layoffs will impact a large portion of the core development team as the company reorganizes to focus on future projects currently in early incubation. This move follows years of performance challenges and marks another round of staff cuts for the studio since Sony's acquisition.

Sony-owned Bungie announces major layoffs following Destiny 2 update — ілюстрація до новини в рубриці «Ігри»
Sony-owned Bungie announces major layoffs following Destiny 2 update — ілюстрація до новини в рубриці «Ігри» · Image source: Variety

According to Variety, Bungie is undergoing a major restructuring that will result in a substantial number of job losses across its development teams. The studio issued an official statement on X explaining that the reduction in force is necessary as they reorganize their internal operations following the conclusion of the Destiny 2 content cycle.

Impact on core development teams

While Bungie did not disclose the exact number of employees being let go, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Studio Business Group CEO Hermen Hulst provided specific details regarding the scope. He confirmed that the layoffs will include a significant number of staff members, specifically targeting most of the team responsible for Destiny 2 and several individuals from the Marathon project.

The studio acknowledged that the flagship title failed to meet expectations over recent years. The decision to downsize comes as the company pivots toward new initiatives that are still in their early stages of development. Key points regarding the transition include:

  • Destiny 2 received its final content update on June 9.
  • The studio is moving away from its previous operational size due to a lack of immediate large-scale projects.
  • This follows previous rounds of layoffs in both 2023 and 2024 since Sony acquired the studio.
  • Industry context and future outlook

    The restructuring highlights the ongoing pressure on live-service titles to maintain high engagement levels over long periods. By reducing the workforce now, Bungie aims to align its overhead with its current project pipeline while attempting to stabilize its position under Sony's ownership. The studio remains focused on incubating new ideas despite the immediate contraction of its primary development departments.

    This move signals a shift in how Sony manages its third-party acquisitions, prioritizing lean operations for studios that have reached the end of a major content lifecycle. As Bungie moves into this reorganization phase, the industry will be watching to see which new projects emerge from the current incubation period.

    FAQ

    Why is Bungie laying off staff?
    Bungie is reorganizing its internal operations following the conclusion of the Destiny 2 content cycle. The company aims to align overhead with its current project pipeline as it pivots toward new initiatives that are still in early incubation.
    Which projects are affected by the layoffs?
    The reduction in force specifically targets most of the team responsible for Destiny 2 and several individuals from the Marathon project. These cuts occur as the studio moves away from its previous operational size due to a lack of immediate large-scale projects.
    When did Bungie last have layoffs?
    Bungie has undergone previous rounds of layoffs in both 2023 and 2024 since Sony acquired the studio. The current restructuring follows years of performance challenges for the flagship title.
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