Despite the success of Destiny 2: The Final Shape expansion, Bungie's recent layoffs were inevitable, according to a new report. Sources claim Bungie planned the cuts early in 2024, and these would have occurred irrespective of the expansion's performance. The company laid off 220 staff while transferring more roles to Sony Interactive Entertainment and a new PlayStation studio focused on a Bungie "incubation project." The layoffs were partly due to Bungie consistently missing Sony's financial targets since its 2022 acquisition. The studio experienced financial struggles, especially following the Destiny 2: Lightfall expansion, causing the need for significant workforce reductions.

Why did Bungie lay off employees despite the success of Destiny 2: The Final Shape?n

Bungie laid off employees due to pre-planned cuts established early in 2024 and ongoing financial difficulties, including missing Sony's financial targets since their acquisition and the studio's monetary losses after the release of Destiny 2: Lightfall.

Destiny 2 has been a pivotal game in the first-person shooter genre, known for its expansive lore, cooperative gameplay, and various expansions that keep the player community engaged. The recent situation at Bungie underscores the financial pressures and strategic shifts even successful game studios can face in today's industry landscape.