Bungie Devs Say Atmosphere Is ‘Soul-Crushing’ Amid Layoffs, Cuts, and Fear of Total Sony Takeover

One month after a major round of layoffs impacted roughly 100 Bungie employees of 1,200, those remaining at the Destiny developer say the cuts, as well as other cost-cutting measures, came alongside an apparent scramble by studio leadership to avoid a total Sony takeover.

[Snookies12]

At this point, just let it happen. They'd probably do a better job with managing Destiny than Bungie's current leadership.

[Jin_Sakai]

Exactly.

“Some employees were told that if the Sony buyout did not happen, that with current Destiny 2 performance the studio itself would have been in jeopardy if they were still independent”

[darthv72]

They went from being owned by MS to being contractually obligated by Activision back to being owned by Sony and it is NOW that they are having issues??? As Lando says: "This deal's getting worse all the time."

[Christopher]

That's like 3 Darth Vaders there. Which one is the real one?

[Mr_cheese]

Sounds like Bungie haven't been very organised and are now panicking.

It's not a good sign to be honest, somebody has some explaining to do

[-Foxtrot]

Honestly I think it will be better if Sony just takes over and it seems there is a chance

"If Bungie falls short of its revenue goals by too great an amount, Sony is allowed to dissolve the existing board and take full control of the company"

That's why the big greedy arseholes at the top are shitting themselves, Sony will get rid of them when they take over.

[-Foxtrot]

Sony literally gave them an extra Billion to keep staff

https://gamerant.com/sony-s...

Yet Bungie still decided on layoffs

I think Sony would handle them a lot better and honestly, I think its time a second Bungie team works on something similar to the older Halo games. A first person shooter game which is story driven, has drop in / drop out co-op and has a classic style death match online mode.

[CantThinkOfAUsername]

The heads of the studio already spent the $1.2B buying shares back from their employees.

[mjchitown]

Or OR Sony is trash at running Bungie. I bet money if this was Microsoft owing them and this was happening. You would had a total different attitude . Mismanagement .that's what you're be saying .

[0hMyGandhi]

This is so utterly confusing to me. They absolutely flourished under Microsoft. Sony seems to handle their umbrella of studios far better than Micrsoft (especially today) I don't get why they are so concerned about being "taken over". Having autonomy is great, but if Double Fine isn't freaking out after being bought by Microsoft, neither should Bungie with Sony. Unless Sony higherups plan to force Bungie to make Halo Pachinko machines.

Bungie must know something that we don't. They are still making the games they want to make. This isn't RARE being forced to make Kinect games to push hardware sales. I just don't get it.

[Crows90]

@mjchitown

Except sony doesnt really own them as Microsoft owns their studios. If sony owned them they wouldnt be making multiplat games for xbox.

[shinoff2183]

Foxtrot coming in hot with a link.

[itsmebryan]

@mjchitown
Your right. They blame MS for Redfall but, Sony owns Bungie and it has only got worst since they owned it and it's not Sony's fault. It's always a double standard here. Smg

[Michiel1989]

Just let Bungie make a new Resistance game, it's a match made in heaven.

[z2g]

pretty sure bungie is perfectly well capable... This is the result of avoiding a Sony takeover, not poor performance. They basically have to remain at a percentage of ownership to maintain some dependance of their creative and operations.

also - let me just point out the hypocrisy - MS got total shit because of redfall and everyone blamed MS cuz they "took over" Arkane. Reality is MS was totally hands off until the end when they needed a release. that doesn't make redfall good, but it wasn't MS or GamePass' fault. Then Sony comes around and grows its studio portfolio "organically" (which turns out is also just writing checks for places they want to acquire) and people act like they're the saviors of the industry - totally ignoring all the layoffs and shutdowns left in the wake.

for all people cry about how bad it is to buy studios up, that stance seems to be pretty slanted to one side. Hostile takeovers aren't good, period. it would drive all the creative talent out of bungie.

Where are the objective, informed opinions on this site? Most comments are predominately brand oriented and self-serving based on their own preferences and that's shit.

[Huey_My_D_Long]

Hey tbf I wasn't upset at MS for Bethesda because MS can't do a worse job with Bethesda than Bethesda. I do think its a problem when a majority of studios is owned by 5 major players, but I'm not knocking MS on Bethesda...but I will on Activision.

But you are correct, MS shouldn't have been blamed for the game being bad...just releasing it..but damned if do damned if you don't there.

[shinoff2183]

Sony buying bungie was a knee jerk reaction to ms buying up all that sh. I still wish Sony went elsewhere, me personally I was never a fan of anything they've made, I'm just not into fps, or online and that's bungie to a T

[crazyCoconuts]

Are all the other studios like ND managed directly by Sony?

[GrmpyolGamer]

Yes. Because Sony/PS is famous for managing their GaaS games.........oh wait

[badz149]

Why is the article seem trying to make it look like Sony is the big baddie here? they paid $3.6bil for the whole thing, but have let them keep their independence stance, not forcing them to make exclusives, and a fully hands-off approach with them. and now they are struggling to honor their end of the deal, why is Sony portrayed as the baddie here? that $3.6bil changed hands from Sony to someone or some people at Bungie, that is for certain. these employees or former employees can't come out now and call Sony as playing wolf trying to absorb them from within. these guys forgot one crucial thing, Sony already owns them. the real question that they should be asking is why is their situation getting worse despite the billions Sony paid to acquire them?

[maniacmayhem]

Bungie just can't catch a break when it comes to big publishers. These guys wanted to be independent so bad and now both partnerships after MS have been less than stellar.

[GaboonViper]

A real shame to see Bungie like this, i will always be thankful to them for bringing Halo into my life.

[Eonjay]

I don't really see where Sony has done anything to them. They gave them their independence like they asked and this is the result.

[-Foxtrot]

Sony left them to their own devices because it's what they wanted, Sony respected their wishes and somehow they are still the bad guys?

[maniacmayhem]

When did I say Sony was the bad guy?

Bungie hasn't had much luck with either Activision or Sony. Whoever fault it is for that, I don't know.

What I do know is there always seems to be an issue whenever Bungie teams up with a big publisher.

[Christopher]

@maniac: you're inferring, in both of your sentences, that Bungie's problems are because of Sony (and MS) even though it is pretty apparent this is just a Bungie issue.

[maniacmayhem]

I really don't know how anyone can take away that what I'm saying is a direct blame on Sony.

I specifically said both partnerships haven't worked out for Bungie, meaning Activision and Sony.

When did this translate to that being Sony.(or MS's) fault?

[Christopher]

By blaming their current issues on having anything to do with the Sony partnership you are blaming Sony.

And this isn't about MS and Sony, it's about all 3, but you attempt to leave MS out of it when their issues there were independence as well. How can they leave Activision for independence but not MS? How is it Sony's fault they chose to be bought out and Sony hasn't touched their company at all and allowed them their independence?

You're attempting to focus on two parties out of three when you should just be realizing the common denominator in every situation is there problem, not the others.

[maniacmayhem]

The problem here are these assumptions and interpretations whenever Sony might be brought up in a bad light. Even when that was never mentioned in my comment or intended.

Bungie's issues with MS were documented and it's the main reason they went independent. It's why I said "they wanted to go independent so bad" in my very first comment. I didn't realize I had to specifically state the well known problems they had with MS.

Bungie then said how they wanted to be independent but then partnered with Activision which they also had issues with throughout the years and wanted to break free. Another round of "what the hell" from them.

They then break away from Activision and get bought by Sony. And since has had issues with a lackluster DLC drop, layoffs and now this report they don't want management run by Sony.

I'm literally blaming Bungie's issues on them not having any luck no matter where they go.

If what you took from that was only 'its all Sony's fault' then that's on you. But that was seriously not my intention with any of my comments.

[Christopher]

*** If what you took from that was only 'its all Sony's fault' then that's on you. But that was seriously not my intention with any of my comments. ***

Don't blame me for your words. You want to be heard correctly, use the correct words. Also, I didn't say 'only Sony's fault' but I noted that you purposefully ignored MS in the whole scheme of things and made it just about Sony and Activision. So, read my words correctly also.

[maniacmayhem]

***..that you purposefully ignored MS***

I literally mentioned MS in my first comment, but do go on.

**made it just about Sony and Activision**

Are you serious right now? Are you messing with me? Who else have they dealt with after MS?

They willfully left MS, long ago might I add. They had a golden egg with Halo but decided to go on their own, and "mostly" everything after that has not gone their way.

Hence, "both partnerships after MS have been less than stellar."

I believe a better idea would be to read what's there and not insert your own bias on top of things.

[darthv72]

@Maniac... Bungie is like the girl in a bad relationship. She keeps trying to find Mr Right when the reality is that SHE is the problem... not the guys she dates.

Bungie is the only constant in this situation. MS was good to them, they just didnt want to make Halo games anymore so MS agreed to them leaving. In that you can see MS was not the bad guy.

They go to Activision who gave them $$ and let them make what they wanted, which ironically was a Halo-esq game when they left MS because they didnt want to make Halo games (go figure). And that deal was coming to a close and the timing was when MS & ABK were getting buddy buddy. In that you can see Activision was not the bad guy either.

Sony thought they could help them, the only thing bungie wanted was to remain 3rd party. something Sony was apprehensive about but agreed to it. And Sony stayed hands off and let them do their thing and bungie STILL has issues. Sony was not the bad guy either. And i know you arent trying to infer they are but it comes off as such.

Bungie is to blame for their own situation... they left three big companies who did nothing but offer them money and a place to stay and Bungie tries to play the victim saying whoa is me. The company is damaged goods... I can see Sony brooming them aside instead of investing more good money after bad.

[maniacmayhem]

...Definitely...

[Christopher]

darthv72: "...when the reality is that SHE is the problem... not the guys she dates."

maniacmayhem: "Bungie just can't catch a break when it comes to relationships."

Make it make sense! Please!

[Lightning77]

Bungie Spilt from Activision due to a few things. One was the creative direction. ABK wanted a more friendly accessible approach to Destiny and Bungie wanted to cater to the hardcore audience. The other reason for the fall out was because Destiny as popular as it was, wasn't meeting financial demands by ABK. Go figure it's not doing COD numbers.

They even said ABK was a "Prohibitive overload" that limited there creative control. Sounds about right to me that's well documented.

It's funny because they want ultimate control and freedom but yet constantly cause these fires and issues within themselves. I'm all for them being free but they need to be competent also.

The only dev that I can think of that still wants to remain independent are Larian Studios. For context Insomniac had the same issues as Bungie for for over a decade. They ultimately got absorbed by Sony because if the tight nit relationship and trust, familiar with Sony's way of doing things and make the sorta games that ppl love. So it depends from studio to studio.

[Brazz]

Sony did nothing wrong! All leaks corroborate that this is Bungie responsibility.

[Eonjay]

Its really hard to imagine anyone spending billions to watch their new acquisition destroy itself. I feel like they should have let Sony step in before they did those layoffs... after all, Sony gave them a lot of money for talent retention. Kinda feels like they already broke their end of the deal...

[Magog]

Well that's absolute BS as Sony stated they were taking a hands off approach

[crazyCoconuts]

they WERE

[phoenixwing]

I don't really blame sony here. If I gave a studio literally billions to keep people/talent and the management at said studio were greedy af and wanted to layoff ppl and give themselves fat bonuses I'd be more than just a little upset. I might even make moves to replace management who would then paint a doom and gloom picture to their devs even though they're not really the ones I'm looking to replace.

[Solitariussaint]

Bungie should quit fucking around with these GaaS games. They should sit down and make a proper single player campaign with an additional local co-op and local versus mode. Any online mode should be a mere extra, not the main focus.

Now that MS owns COD, Sony should have made Bungie make this new Marathon game Sony's exclusive offline friendly FPS answer to Halo but it looks like that's not happening.

[crazyCoconuts]

"reducing numerous morale events such as cooking and knitting classes from monthly to quarterly"
That would suck. We have our cooking classes.... wait... no, we don't have anything even remotely like that where i work lol

[Huey_My_D_Long]

Ok cool, so if they took away perks from your job, fired alot of people and when you ask them if your bosses will take a pay cut to help out as well, youll just smile and take it when they say they aren't that kinda company.

bootlickers.

Least when Nintendo did poorly the leadership took a hit...

Bungie management decided to fire security team now the game has more cheaters in the trials.

[crazyCoconuts]

All i said is i can't imagine having monthly knitting and cooking classes as part of my benefits.

"bootlicker"? you've got to be kidding me with these silly names. Like you're part of the cast of a B rated movie or something

[montebristo]

Maybe they should have released a new IP instead of soaking destiny 2 for 10 years. Is destiny still popular?

[Obscure_Observer]

The situation at Bungie is worse than I´d though.

[Lightning77]

Interesting the they "fear" total Sony take over. As far as I'm concerned if they were independent still, they would of tank the ship. By now.

Sony's been more than generous at this point. Is say let Sony do what they need to do. This is buissness at the end of the day.

[Huey_My_D_Long]

Honestly I don't trust any management team that responds with we aren't that type of company when people ask if yall will take a paycut after firing people in your company...especially after Sony gave them money specifically to keep staff

[thesoftware730]

One of the biggest concerns going forward is game quality, if you have a bunch of low moral devs, at war with management, and a war between management themselves, every aspect of development could suffer.

How are they gonna help Sony with the 5-6 Gaas, and dev their own games with assured quality if they are in this much of a funk?

Maybe ND should reevaluate reworking Faction on their word, Bungie may "Fear" Factions taking away potential Marathon and Destiny 2 players.

The hostile takeover is real.

[neomahi]

Bungies talent is wasted. The idea that Destiny would be online only and became the Free 2 Play Model part way into the games life was stupid. Now it's caught in that hell and won't come back as a result of it. Could PlayStation be a little more realistic with its expectations? Probably so, but don't let a really talented group become complacent. Hey! You just made 3.2 billion, kick back and get lazy

[Vengeance1138]

Good now Sony can finally cut out all this multiplatform nonsense and make Bungie exclusive to PlayStation.

[PassNextquestion]

I thought Sony were getting Bungie to oversee their upcoming multiplayer games, something like 12 games

[Brazz]

Sony is the "nice guy" here. They established a level of "financial health and results" for Bungie's management, in return they guaranteed total independence. If Bungie's management can't deliver results and is destroying what makes the studio special, then yes, Sony has to intervene, it's simple.
Historically Sony is very good at managing the studios, I mean, Naughty Dog, Santa Monica, Guerrilla, Insomniacs, maybe they'll be good for Bungie (?)

[Ra3030]

I agree with your comment but Bungle has a history of taking huge chunks to of money from a big Publisher then after a couple years the crying, moaning and complaining starts and whoever the Business Daddy Publishers is parts ways and sets them free. Bungle did this to Microsoft and Activision they also took money in a partnership with the Publisher Tencent.
I don't see Bungie getting a get out of jail free card this time. I do like Bungle and I like the Destiny franchise but IMO they have a very shady way of doing business.

[badz149]

they bought their way out of MS and have never been bought by Activision. I can't see them buying their way out of Sony now with their current financial situation

[ravens52]

Should have never acquired them. Such a waste of 3 billion. Wish they would've consulted all of us 1st, we would've made a better decision collectively. Fckn Jim.

[Ra3030]

To me this sounds like Microsoft Bungie or Activision Bungie where they took the $$money$$ from both then fought to be released from both. That's not gonna work this fellas but the con-mam CEO and all 1200 employees may leave but no IP will the so time for these cons that run Bungie to deliver or move on with nothing.

[Einhander1972]

So speculation based on rumors from anonymous sources.

But whatever, let Sony tug on the reigns, the sooner they can keep Bungies games off xbox the better, xbox is not going to change how they operate by being nice to them, that much is abundantly clear.

[anast]

Years of mediocrity in the entertainment business usually catches up. The leaders of Bungie failed their workers and now the workers have to pay the price.

[gold_drake]

didnt sony help them out to keep afloat?

im not sure that there is a "big fear" either.

[babadivad]

Shouldn't have sold yourself then morons.

[GrmpyolGamer]

Bungie need to remain independent or I hear their is a Big gaming company on a purchasing spree

[Games1st]

Bungie dug their own hole.

[Crows90]

It makes no sense. So the leadership which would normally want to be independent decided to take a deal that would lead to them not being independent and when it looked that it would lead to that then they started kneecapping their own studio by removing key employees??? Isnt that going to make it even more likely... I think at this point it sounds like Bungie devs are worried that bungie will keep on laying people off because of the agreement of independence they entered into...it makes little sense. Theyre less likely to meet financial goals with less talent.

Looks to me like the heads are trying to maintain independence at the cost of their employees.

[MEGANE]

I find it kind of disappointing that after all that money for a studio that has only 1 game Sony can’t dictate everything that goes, especially when MS already took away two games that were destined for multi platform.
Lets be honest Sony overpaid for Bungie.

[frostypants]

Bungie's done a great job messing themselves up on their own.

[TheEroica]

Great investment Sony!

[RAFTECH26]

This is what’s gonna happen to the future of Sony’s Gaas plan

Btw, halo is doing well…. Future is bright

[specialguest]

The best era they had was with MS where they made a name for their company as well as made Xbox relevant. They didn't want to do Halo anymore and parted ways with MS. They wanted to be independent and do other things, but things have not played out well. They have themselves to blame with issues from the Destiny IP like neglecting game issues, rejecting player feedback, withholding dungeons and requiring separate payment, removing significant contents, fired employees/kept execs to save money, and other unethical practices. Bungie screwed themselves

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Should have came back to Xbox your real home.

[Perez]

I've always been a little confused with the Bungie - Sony Tie up, its been a weirdish fit to me and doesn't really fit with Sony's stable of studios though I guess does shore up the FPS side of things, while being a little stagnant still in my opinion. I get that Bungie has made Halo, Made Destiny 1&2 but it seems to be Bungie that always has issues with one publisher or another. Independence is great for many developers but seems really poorly managed at Bungie.

On a side note its been nice to see some objective debate in the comments with less of the blame game (MS/SonyActi/etc eta al) that I'm used to seeing from the comments section.

[StarkR3ality]

Bungie are finished, all their top talent have probably already left. Shame, they created some of the best memories ever in gaming with halo.

Their influence in the FPS genre is unprecedented, but it's been a long time coming and destiny is a dead horse at this point, I'd be surprised if there was a 3rd one.

Minus a couple of high points, it's been mostly a micro transaction generator and players have got sick of it.

[Gameseeker_Frampt]

Sony is starting to realize that they bought a turd. $3.6 billion for a company whose supposed experience in GaaS just caused them to miss their revenue projections by 45% and when community trust is at an all-time low releases the Destiny 2 starter pack. I'm sure the new Iron Banner game mode is going over well with the community...

[DefenderOfDoom2]

I bought every story DLC and played thru season that comes with story DLC for 3 months and then I move on to other games until next story DLC comes out. I will not play DESTINY 2 for all the seasons. Tough to keep players playing the same game throughout the whole year.