In the MMO shooter Destiny, the future is seen in free patches and events, not in DLCs. But what does that mean?
It’s strange what is currently happening with Destiny. The simplest and most obvious question simply remains unanswered: What happens next? Are paid DLCs coming or not?
Two months ago, there was an “insider report” from Kotaku, which stated: Destiny is changing. Instead of 20-euro DLCs, there will be a cash shop, events, and patches.
One month ago, Activision said: The cash shop and paid expansions can also go well together. It was left open whether they meant DLCs or a major autumn expansion.
Now players are waiting: Will there be any new game content at all, apart from events and balance changes?
Players can expect events and content in Year 2 of Destiny
Now Derek Caroll, an important man at Destiny, has essentially confirmed what was thought three months ago. Bungie has changed the model. They prefer to bring events that surprise players instead of “monolithic, gigantic DLCs.” This way, they can offer something to all players who purchased The Taken King.
Because events will be free. The cash shop will strictly offer “cosmetic items” and they are also working on the issue of “emote slots.” They seem to want to completely change how gestures work.
One detail in his response is particularly interesting. Caroll says players can expect new events and new content throughout the year.
This could mean: Destiny players will also receive “quests, zones, and shooter content” in Year 2. But it doesn’t have to be. The term “content” can encompass anything from a new raid zone to “old” exotic items or funny disguises in the Tower.
The interview only tells us that they are no longer planning these paid DLCs, but not “what exactly to expect.” Carroll speaks of “surprising players.” Not planning the year out in advance for them.
What does that mean now?
According to Kotaku, they feel completely confirmed by Carroll’s statements. They shout: It took three months, now they confirm our story. So there will be no new raid or new zones until September. An insider reportedly said that it was impossible for Bungie to deliver game content for DLCs while working on the next expansion for Destiny. That carries the codename “Destiny 2” and is set to be released next autumn. They believe: In the long run, this can be good, then Destiny 2 will be really strong.
How strange the situation is can be seen in a statement from publisher Activision to the magazine Polygon. Activision seriously said on December 8: “We are not bringing any expansions this year. And we have not announced our plans for 2016 yet.” Great answer Activision.
The three stages of content – what can be expected?
Mein MMO thinks: One can only conclude that the 20-euro DLCs are a thing of the past. And this can indeed benefit “Destiny 2.” Especially if an additional studio is working on it.
The question is simple: Will anything come in 2016 until September that players can accept as “new content”?
One can classify “content” for this purpose into three stages:
Stage I: Events, changes to weapon balance, new/old exotics, and so on – that will surely come. That just happened yesterday.
Stage II: The “next stage” with gear that has higher light values. New items, new missions are coming. Maybe a strike or crucible maps? What was roughly in House of Wolves and The Dark Below – minus the Prison of Elders and Crota’s End. Whether Bungie is working on something in category II, one simply does not know. However, it is strongly hoped so, otherwise the nine months until autumn 2016 may become surprisingly long.
Stage III: The outlook is bleak for hopes towards “new zones, new raids” – if they had something like that in store, they could have probably stuck with the DLC system. There will likely only be Stage III content again with the expansion.
More information, news, and stories can be found on our Destiny page. You will also find information about the gunsmith Banshee-44 today in a few hours.
