Following in the footsteps of game developers Naughty Dog and Media Molecule, Bungie, another studio under Sony, has announced significant staff cuts.
Details about the layoffs emerged on Twitter and LinkedIn from Bungie employees themselves. The cuts have affected various departments within the company, including community relations, marketing, legal, and human resources. Community Manager Liana Ruppert confirmed her departure from the company via a tweet.
I don’t know where I’m going with this thread of mess but bear with me. First things first: please be kind to our friends safe from the layoffs, it’s not easy on that side of things and they’re losing people that they care deeply for, certainty, and stability—all while still
— Liana Ruppert (@DirtyEffinHippy) October 31, 2023
Perhaps a ripple effect of the layoffs, Bungie has announced changes to its release calendar. The launch of "Destiny 2: End Shape" has been postponed from February 2024 to June of the same year. Furthermore, the studio's new game, "Marathon," is now potentially slated for a 2025 release.
These developments have sent ripples through the gaming community as fans and industry experts alike speculate on the reasons behind Bungie's decisions and the future trajectory of the company.