Is Bungie finally having a change of heart? A current job posting from the studio for Destiny 2 suggests that they want to involve the community more closely.
As part of the numerous renovations for Destiny 2, we recently addressed the question of whether Bungie actually listens to the community around the Destiny series.
Because numerous changes to the much-criticized game seem to be developed without considering the wishes of the community.
Players have the impression: Some of the most serious core issues with Destiny 2 are not even being addressed. Essential feedback from the Guardians seems to be ignored.
However, it seems that the developers obviously want to change that. A job posting from March 23, 2018 (Link to Bungie Careers) now indicates a shift in Destiny 2. This initiative from Bungie is currently generating quite a bit of discussion on Reddit and other community sites.
The consensus is the same everywhere: FINALLY!
Bungie is looking for a gameplay specialist from the community
According to the job posting, Bungie is currently looking for a dedicated gameplay expert who has the ability to test and analyze games from a gamer’s perspective.
The gameplay specialist should primarily focus on the endgame experience during the weekly routine in Destiny 2 and pass his impressions and expertise on to the developer teams in the form of constructive feedback.
The passionate expert should be willing to engage in endgame content of Destiny 2 with a small team of talented players to gain in-depth and extensive knowledge about the associated game mechanics and systems.
Furthermore, the candidate should be able to adequately assess the endgame content and its potential, making insightful predictions regarding its attractiveness and impact on players.
This engagement is initially designed for 3 months. The expert will work directly at the Bungie studio to have the best and quickest influence on the development.
The following competencies fall under the expert’s responsibilities:
- Sustainable front-to-back play of Destiny 2 endgame content
- Analyzing and evaluating gameplay mechanics, systems, and processes based on gameplay
- Addressing issues and creating feedback regarding endgame-specific and general improvements for Destiny 2
The following skills are required:
- Extensive gaming experience in both Destiny games
- Excellent communication in spoken and written English
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team
The following skills would be advantageous:
- Experience with as many Guardian classes as possible in both Destiny titles
- Experience leading clans or large social groups
- Knowledge of coaching inexperienced Destiny players regarding endgame activities
Is the job posting the first step towards the hoped-for turnaround?
The list of upcoming adjustments for Destiny 2 is getting shorter. A real breakthrough has not yet been achieved with the changes implemented so far. However, some of the most important adjustments still need time before they can be implemented. Others have not even been addressed. Many renovations seem to be developed without considering the wishes of the fans. In short: A turnaround is not really in sight.
The purpose of this job posting is unequivocal. With their back against the wall, Bungie has apparently recognized the problem and wants to counteract this measure by involving the community more closely in the development work – just like Massive Entertainment with their game The Division.
This step will likely have no impact on the upcoming March update. It is also unlikely that this posting will have much influence on the second expansion with its presumed May release.
However, Bungie must at least pave the way for the next major expansion, expected in fall 2018, significantly in the coming weeks if they want to help the game seriously rise from obscurity. This expansion offers an opportunity to introduce widespread and substantial changes to Destiny 2 and address the core issues of the game – such as trivial loot and the current weapon system.
And this is likely what this job posting is aiming for. If Bungie consistently implements this strategy shift in dealing with fan feedback and increasingly incorporates the community’s wishes into the optimization process, it could indeed mark the turning point for the beleaguered Destiny 2.
There is no shortage of interesting ideas and well-thought-out concepts for Bungie’s second Destiny installment. There are also more than enough smart minds among the Guardian ranks who would be more than qualified for such a job. Names like My Name is Byf, Datto, or Slayerage are already circulating in various forums and social media.
One thing is certain – Bungie MUST finally deliver. The studio has limited opportunities remaining. But with this long-overdue measure, Bungie moves closer to the chance to decisively steer the ship back on course. FINALLY!
What do you think of this job posting? Will this long-overdue step finally bring about the turnaround? Or is this all pure PR to placate the fan masses?
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