Bungie new IP “Matter” could be the successor to Destiny 2. The 3rd-person action game, which heavily focuses on PvP battles and esports, is colorful and sounds like Overwatch with Destiny heroes. MeinMMO takes a look at what we know so far about Bungie’s new IP.
Which new game is it about? Bungie is known for developing iconic titles such as Halo, Marathon, Myth, Oni, and Destiny 1 and 2.
During the PlayStation Showcase on May 24, 2023, Bungie caused a big stir when it recently revealed new information about the new IP “Marathon”. This is an extraction shooter focused on PvP in a sci-fi universe.
However, the AAA developer from Seattle has another project in the works and is concurrently developing a second IP currently referred to as “Matter” alongside Destiny 2 and Marathon.
- “Matter” is likely a multiplatform 3rd-person action game with multiplayer levels.
- It is said to focus heavily on PvP battles and the esports landscape.
- There was talk of “lighthearted and quirky characters” and live service.
- For development, the Unreal Engine 5 seems to be used, as the Tiger Engine was mainly developed for first-person shooter games like Destiny 2.
“Matter” could be the successor to Destiny 2
What will happen with Destiny 2 in 2024? Already in 2020, it was speculated that the “new/old” IP “Matter” could be a direct narrative continuation of Destiny 2 after 2024.
After all, it is known that after the current DLC “Lightfall”, there is only one expansion left for Destiny 2. It will conclude the Light and Darkness saga of the loot shooter in 2024 with the expansion “The Final Shape”, which, according to Bungie, will have a “dramatic conclusion”.
However, this will not be the end of Destiny, as Bungie has repeatedly emphasized.
- Narrative Director Adam Grantham of Bungie revealed that the expansion “The Final Shape”, like “Lightfall”, will not answer all questions in the current storyline of Destiny 2. “We want to keep some secrets alive”.
Secrets that they might use as cliffhangers in the new game?
Destiny Universe as a hero-based action shooter: It has already been speculated that “Matter” could be a character-driven action hero shooter experience, similar to Overwatch, Valorant, or Apex, directly connecting to the Destiny saga.
Destiny has a wealth of outstanding good and evil characters, which have been continuously developed by the developer over the past 7 years with extensive stories.
- Bungie also appointed developer Joseph Ziegler as Game Director. He has an impressive background for the highly successful competitive first-person shooter Valorant from Riot Games.
- Additionally, they hired Jordan Patz, the former Design Director for Respawn’s Apex Legends Mobile, as Game Director for an undisclosed project.
What are Overwatch and Valorant as games?
Both Overwatch and Valorant are known for their competitive gameplay, team-based mechanics, and strong focus on multiplayer interactions.
Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter from Blizzard Entertainment. The game combines elements from various genres such as first-person shooter and multiplayer online battle arena. Players choose from a variety of heroes with unique abilities and fight in teams for objectives and control over the battlefield.
In Valorant from Riot Games, players also select from several agents with different abilities and then fight in teams to achieve objectives or eliminate opposing players.
Not enough is known yet: The fact is that Bungie will venture into the character-driven genre. While speculations hint at a possible connection to Destiny, it is still too early to make definitive statements about it. It is likely something new and therefore not or only indirectly connected to the Destiny Universe.
At least a few initial announcements hinted at this:
However, it could also just be a placeholder image. The “lighthearted and quirky characters” sound more like a new, creative vision from Bungie, as they venture into uncharted territories, such as a “comedic atmosphere”.
The 3rd-person perspective is not completely alien to Bungie, but it has been a while since they last used it. With Oni, the developer already had a 3rd-person shooter featuring melee techniques in an anime-like style back in 2001.
This would also fit well with Bungie’s own statement: “The future of Bungie games is more diverse than ever.”
When is “Matter” supposed to be released? In an interview with 4Gamer, Design Director Jacob Benton stated that Bungie apparently has its sights set on releasing “Matter” in 2025. This coincides with the narrative “restart” of Destiny.
Whether “Matter” ultimately represents a direct continuation of Destiny 2 or a standalone IP with new creative visions remains to be seen. However, Bungie seems ready to venture into unknown terrain, or better yet, into unknown “matter” in order to push the boundaries of its expertise.
We are excited for more details on “Matter” and invite you to share your thoughts and speculations in the comments. What are your expectations for Bungie’s new game? Do you believe Bungie can achieve the success of Destiny 2 with it?
Perhaps Bungie might even find itself competing with Matter – something that many other games have never managed:
