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Bungie Announces Layoffs Affecting Most Destiny Team and Some Marathon Staff

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Sony Interactive Entertainment Announces Significant Layoffs at Bungie

SIE CEO Hermen Hulst has announced a reduction in force at Bungie, affecting a "significant number" of employees. The cuts include most of the Destiny 2 team and some members of the Marathon development team. A smaller number of SIE staff whose roles supported Bungie's operations are also being laid off.

Reason for Layoffs

Hulst stated that the decision followed several months of review with Bungie leadership regarding the studio's long-term direction, development priorities, resource needs, and role within SIE's portfolio strategy. He said that multiple alternatives were explored before concluding that a reduction was necessary to align the studio's resources with its current priorities and long-term goals.

"Destiny 2 had 'fallen short of expectations' in recent years," Bungie acknowledged in its own statement, confirming the company could not continue operating at its previous size.

This follows the announcement that Destiny 2 will receive its final content update on June 9, ending live development for the game.

Affected Teams and Projects

  • Destiny 2: The layoffs affect most of the team working on the game, which will no longer receive new content after its final update on June 9.
  • Marathon: The team working on this title will see some reductions. Hulst confirmed that Marathon "remains an important part of our portfolio" and that development will continue based on the foundation established in Season 1 and 2, along with incubation efforts for future projects.
  • Support Teams: Roles across SIE teams that support Bungie's operations are also being eliminated.

Studio Leadership Changes

Bloomberg reported that Bungie studio head Justin Truman is stepping down as part of the reorganization.

Background

Sony acquired Bungie in 2022 for $3.6 billion, approximately five years after Destiny 2's original release. As of 2024, Bungie employed approximately 850 staff, with many assigned to the Destiny franchise.

Support for Affected Employees

SIE stated it will provide transition support to impacted workers and attempt to identify relocation opportunities within SIE and its global studio network where possible.