Destiny 2: the impact of the latest update and player decline

Intelligence Summary
- Discover the impact of Destiny 2’s latest update on its player base, recent game changes, and Bungie’s franchise future.
In brief
- Destiny 2 received its last major update on June 9, 2023, marking the end of active development.
- Even after updates ended, the game still attracts around 40,000 daily players on Steam.
- Major content creators, such as Datto, have announced they are stepping away from Destiny 2 content, further affecting the community’s future.
GAME-scanner analysis
The recent end of Destiny 2’s active development with the Monument of Triumph update on June 9, 2023, has had a major impact on the player community. Bungie, the game’s developer, has confirmed that no new content will arrive beyond minor bug fixes. This marks a significant shift for a game once seen as a leading live-service title. Sony’s decision to acquire Bungie in 2022 was aimed at strengthening its live-service lineup, but recent figures show player engagement remains below expectations.
The announcement that popular content creator Datto will step away from Destiny 2 content on August 18, 2026, highlights the decline in community activity. This could lead to a further drop in the player base, as content creators often play a crucial role in attracting and retaining players. The game still has around 40,000 daily players on Steam, but those numbers are a shadow of the peaks it reached in the past.
What does this mean for players?
For current Destiny 2 players, this means preparing for a future without new content or major updates. The game will likely continue as a niche experience with a loyal but shrinking player base. Players hoping for new adventures or expansions will be disappointed, and many may move on to other titles, especially as competition in the live-service market continues to grow.
Timeline
June 9, 2023: Destiny 2 receives its last major update, ending active development.
August 18, 2026: Datto announces his departure from Destiny 2 content creation.