The year 2024 marks a crucial turning point for Destiny 2, as the sci-fi MMO attempts to regain lost trust from its veterans and attract new players. The current monetization of the game has faced significant criticism. However, players agree that clearing this hurdle would demonstrate a genuine commitment.
This is what players criticize about Destiny 2: Last year, Bungie’s loot shooter faced not only dissatisfaction with the overall situation but also growing concerns regarding its monetization policy.
- Old expansions like Forsaken, which are no longer in the game, are still offered as “legacy”. Players only pay for Exo weapons. There is no content.
- In June 2023, Destiny streamer Aztecross called Destiny 2 a “microtransaction hell” and stated that there were increasingly more paywalls in the game.
- Even Twitch streamer Asmongold, who had never played Destiny 2, was shocked by Bungie’s monetization practices and claimed that the game was “obviously a pay-to-win game.”
These criticisms have not only led to significant discomfort within the community but also sowed doubts about the direction of the game. The current monetization policy of Destiny 2 presents a major hurdle for newcomers.
Therefore, a recent decision by the developer was met with enthusiasm, as it is seen by the Guardians as exactly what the shooter needs right now.
Destiny 2 needs an “all-inclusive” package
Players appreciated this: On December 13, Bungie surprised with a free offer through Epic Games. Gamers could secure the so-called “Legacy Package” of Destiny 2, which includes a total of three expansions: “The Witch Queen”, “Beyond Light”, and “Season of Shadows”.
The offer apparently resulted in a solid influx of interested players. Although the increase in players cannot be entirely attributed to the free offer, it may have contributed to it. The numbers (via SteamCharts) certainly suggest so.
- In December 2023, there was an increase of 47.68%, which corresponded to 103,607 players.
- In the previous month, November 2023, the peak was 94,423 players.
- In October 2023, Destiny 2 had a peak of 68,148 simultaneous players.
Overall, the free campaign was met with positive feedback and support within the community. Players especially praised that this step by Bungie not only signals generosity but also shows an awareness of player concerns. And this, despite the fact that two of these expansions are regarded by the majority of players as “inferior”.
Experienced players express a clear desire for an overall package that includes all previous DLCs at an attractive price or even for free. Guardian Godavari shares this view, stating:
Monetization is the biggest barrier to getting into Destiny 2, and I wish Bungie would just sell something like a single “all-inclusive” package (maybe all old expansions with the purchase of the current one) or switch to a subscription model. […] I really want all these barriers removed so that we can attract new players and keep the player base healthy.
commented by Guardian Godavari via Reddit
This is what the MeinMMO Destiny editorial team says: Our author Britta is also convinced that Bungie urgently needs to clarify the offer jungle before the launch of the new DLC “The Final Form”. This would send a clear signal that the developer is willing to make the game more accessible to everyone.
The future of the loot shooter, in her opinion, depends not only on the willingness to address issues in the community but also on concrete measures that strengthen player trust. Particularly in light of Bungie’s statement that “The Final Form” will be an expansion aimed at veterans and new players alike.
Whether Bungie will embrace the community’s hopes remains to be seen. However, the path to “The Final Form” is no longer just a content-related process for the developer but also a trust-building one that will determine the future of Destiny 2.
What do you personally think about the free offer and the challenges concerning the monetization of Destiny 2? Do you also believe that an “all-inclusive” package, a permanent free package, or even a subscription model would be the right decision now? You are warmly invited to share your opinion in the comments. Or do you hope that “The Final Form” will not only mark the end of the saga but also of Destiny 2? We certainly don’t: I wanted to know how the story of Destiny 2 ends – but now that the moment is here, I no longer do.
