But what happens in between?
The open question at this moment is: What happens between January 2016 and the release date of Destiny 2 – in whatever form it may take.
Before “The Taken King,” most assumed that paid DLCs would continue to be released. One every 4 months, meaning the next would be due in January or February. But nothing has been announced yet, and this time no Season Pass has been sold either.
Has Bungie changed its strategy? Are there no more DLCs?
In an article by Kotaku, which relies on anonymous sources from the Destiny environment, the theory is put forward that Bungie was dissatisfied with paid DLCs and the pace of Year 1 and instead wants to continue with “normal,” free patches. Funding would then be via the cash shop. The live team keeps players engaged with “drip-feed” content (i.e., patches like the upcoming one in December).
However, Activision has sent different signals, stating that cash shop and DLCs could indeed coexist.
This is a rather confusing situation, as we currently do not know either “what” Destiny wants to continue with or “how” Destiny wants to continue.
What do we know about the future?
In the database, there are still 7 exotic armor pieces that are not yet in the game. They could come as “filler” gradually – along with Year 1 Exotics. However, it would be disappointing if that was all that happens in Year 2. The players want new missions, raids, stories, ideally new planets.
Basically, they want the same as in Year 1 but with “thicker DLCs.” Is it really the case that Bungie will replace DLCs with dripped Exotics?
We consider that unlikely. It is reasonable to assume that Destiny will bring more gameplay content in the coming year. After all, the Year 1 strategy was incredibly successful, remaining a topic of conversation throughout the year.
And there is definitely no shortage of material. There are many indications that the Cabal will play a larger role on Mars in 2016; the story about the Traveler is just beginning, and many questions need to be answered.
And, after all, support from a second studio, Highmoon Studios, has been assured to focus on Mars with raids and strikes.
However: The more people, the more fresh faces involved in such a project, the more prone Destiny is to delays and pushbacks. Before the release, Destiny was delayed twice; in year 2, there were no noticeable delays, even though “House of Wolves” came suspiciously late.
