Bungie Announces Major Layoffs Following Destiny 2's Conclusion

PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst confirmed the cuts in a message to staff that Sony later published.

Credit: Bungie/Activision

The layoffs affect a significant number (at least 292 jobs) of employees at the studio Sony acquired for $3.6 billion in 2022.

They include most of the Destiny team and some Marathon team members. Reductions also hit some Sony Interactive Entertainment teams that support Bungie operations.

Bungie released its own statement on social media.

"With great sadness, we are announcing a reduction in force as we reorganize Bungie. As the leaders of Bungie, past and present, we recognize Destiny 2 fell short of expectations these past several years. Following our final content update to Destiny 2, and with our future projects still in early incubation, we unfortunately could not continue operating at our previous size."

The studio added that the decision impacts people, their families, friends, and teammates. It said the changes position the studio for the future but do not lessen the difficulty. Bungie plans to share more about its future later.

Destiny 2 received its final live-service content update, Monument of Triumph, earlier this month on June 9. The game stays online, but development on new content has stopped. No Destiny 3 is in active development.

Hulst addressed the situation in his message.

"We have made the decision to reduce Bungie’s workforce, affecting a significant number of employees, including most of the Destiny team and some Marathon team members. There are also reductions across SIE teams that support Bungie’s operations. Those impacted at Bungie and within SIE are being informed today."

He called the news painful for talented colleagues whose roles were eliminated. The company reviewed the studio’s direction, priorities, and needs over several months with Bungie leadership. They explored alternatives before deciding on the cuts to align resources with current priorities and long-term goals.

Hulst highlighted Destiny's impact.

"What Bungie has accomplished with Destiny over the past decade has been truly remarkable. The franchise has left a lasting mark on players and the industry, and everyone who contributed to its success should be proud of what they helped create."

On Marathon, he said the game remains an important part of the portfolio. The team will build on seasons 1 and 2 and work on incubation for future projects. Sony will continue to support it.

Reports indicate around 292 to 400 positions could be affected, roughly half the studio's workforce, which stood near 850 employees after previous cuts. Exact final numbers were not released in the public statements.

Bungie leadership, including studio head Justin Truman, is stepping down as part of the changes, according to reports. The studio has faced multiple rounds of layoffs since the Sony acquisition amid challenges with live-service performance.

Sony said it is providing transition support to affected employees and looking for opportunities across its network where possible. Hulst thanked those impacted for their contributions. He acknowledged the news is difficult for those leaving and those who remain.

The moves come as Bungie shifts focus after Destiny 2's run. Marathon continues with new content planned, including updates through the end of 2026. The studio works on early-stage projects for the longer term.