Seattle, Washington – Bungie is facing internal changes as it gears up for a transformation on its upcoming service game, Marathon, a departure from its renowned Destiny series.
Recent reports indicate a shift in Marathon’s creative leadership, with longtime Bungie designer Christopher Barrett being replaced by former Valorant game director Joe Ziegler. Ziegler, who joined Bungie from Riot Games in 2022, confirmed his new role as game director on Twitter, expressing enthusiasm for Marathon’s progress.
Sources suggest that Bungie is reallocating resources to expedite the release of Marathon, under Ziegler’s leadership. The game’s direction has reportedly evolved, with a move towards a selectable cast of heroes over custom player characters.
Despite prioritizing the upcoming Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape, there are concerns within Bungie about potential layoffs post-launch. Uncertainty looms over the studio’s financial outlook, with speculations of necessary cost-cutting measures to ensure sustainability.
Following Sony’s acquisition of Bungie, the studio inherited various projects, including a MOBA-like game codenamed Gummy Bears and an IP called Matter. Sources indicate that Matter was shelved in 2020, leading to the team pivoting towards a similar project, which was subsequently canceled in late 2022. The fate of Gummy Bears remains uncertain amidst Bungie’s ongoing challenges.
Amidst growing anticipation of senior leadership departures following Sony’s acquisition, there is a push to release Marathon before potential organizational changes. The studio aims to stabilize its position before the impending leadership transition, whether under Sony’s ownership or otherwise.
Bungie has faced significant upheavals in recent years, impacting company morale and future prospects. The studio’s struggle to meet financial targets, coupled with underperformance of Destiny 2, has exacerbated internal tensions, leading to layoffs and operational adjustments.
Internal sources reveal concerns over the necessity of The Final Shape’s success to mitigate further turmoil within Bungie. As the studio navigates these challenges, the fate of Marathon and its positioning for the future remains critical.
Rebekah Valentine, a senior reporter for IGN, shines a light on Bungie’s internal dynamics and the industry landscape, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties facing the renowned game studio.