Ex-Destiny 2 dev says Bungie was "very close to shutting its doors" before Sony acquired it

Recent reports indicate that Bungie was in a precarious financial position prior to its acquisition by Sony. According to a former employee cited by Eurogamer, the studio was very close to shutting down before Sony stepped in. This insider information, also highlighted by Mein-MMO, suggests that the existence of the Destiny franchise was only secured because of Sony's intervention in 2022. The claims describe the deal as an emergency acquisition that saved the studio from potential closure, ensuring that Destiny was not buried during that period. Coverage from TweakTown and Eurogamer emphasizes the fragility of the studio's status leading up to the buyout.

TweakTown specifically labels the event as an emergency acquisition, suggesting the studio may have closed otherwise. Meanwhile, Eurogamer notes that these claims emerge amidst a complex period for the company, characterized by a slump for the title Marathon while Destiny 2 has seen a resurgence in its player base. The reports collectively paint a picture of a studio that was struggling for stability before the corporate transition took place. Adding a financial dimension to the narrative, capitolskyline.com reports that Sony PlayStation has since implemented a $765 million write-down for Bungie. This specific financial action is being framed as a signal of the growing risks associated with the live service gaming model.

The context provided by these reports suggests that the high costs and risks of maintaining live service titles like Destiny 2 and Marathon create significant volatility for both the studios developing them and the parent companies that acquire them. Moving forward, observers are tracking the long-term viability of Bungie's current projects under Sony's ownership. The reports point to the ongoing performance of Destiny 2 and the challenges facing Marathon as key indicators of the studio's health. With the $765 million write-down already recorded by Sony PlayStation, the industry is monitoring how this financial adjustment affects future development and whether the live service risks mentioned in the coverage will lead to further structural changes within the studio.