Bungie, the iconic studio behind Destiny, has been facing a lot of adversity from its fans and layoffs. While the fan backlash may or may not be deserved, the biggest fear is that they may lose what independence they have. According to a report, many at the studio think that Sony may take things over itself.
In July 2022, Sony completed its acquisition of Bungie in a deal that promised continued independence for the studio. According to a report by IGN, the company’s culture and operations have changed dramatically in recent months. Following layoffs affecting roughly 100 employees, Bungie enacted stringent cost-cutting measures, including freezing hiring and reducing travel budgets, as well as eliminating holiday bonuses and salary adjustments.
IGN says that current and former employees say this has resulted in a “soul-crushing” environment within the studio. There are reports of indifference from higher-ups regarding employee concerns and a lack of transparency from the leadership. In fairness, management won’t say there will be more layoffs, which could be a significant contributing factor.
Adding to the anxiety is the possibility of a complete Sony takeover if Destiny 2 does poorly. Bungie’s board of directors is currently split between representatives from both companies, but Sony has the option to assume full control if Bungie fails to meet certain financial goals. This has fueled speculation that the recent cost-cutting measures are a desperate attempt to avoid this outcome.
The future of Bungie is uncertain, but it’s in an almost historical situation. We may be looking at the end of Bungie as it once was and a new Bungie under Sony, or we may see a company come back from the depths. Whether it can overcome these challenges and return to a positive trajectory will depend on how well it addresses employee concerns, regains trust, and manages the complex relationship with its parent company, Sony.
