Destiny 2 is already a pretty old title and many fans are aware of that. Its lifespan has already exceeded the original plan by Activision, and yet Bungie keeps the loot shooter alive. Clearly, this can’t go on for much longer, and to solve the problem, there are only two options.
Why is Destiny 2 too old? When Destiny 2 was released under Activision’s leadership, they had the plan to always release a new loot shooter every two to three years. So when Bungie released the sequel to Destiny 2 in 2017, theoretically Destiny 3 should have been waiting in 2020, but that plan never materialized.
Bungie had a falling out with Activision and thus parted ways. Destiny 2 was now meant to stay alive longer, being fed with larger updates, to develop into a bigger universe. However, the game was initially not designed to last much longer than three years.
The result: many questionable decisions were made to avoid overwhelming the game, like the content vault. Additionally, weekly patches need to be released to prevent the game from completely falling apart. It is clear that Destiny 2 was not built for eternity, and Bungie inevitably has to choose between two paths to keep Destiny from dying.
Two solutions: constant updates or a new game
What are the solutions? In fact, there are only two options:
- Destiny 2 survives with the current tactic – constant updates and new seasons
- Destiny 2 is neglected to release a Destiny 3 that is “better”.
While players have known Bungie’s first tactic for years, the path of the new game would probably be better for many. Fans have long wanted a new, fresh Destiny where everything is “better” – but let me tell you, Bungie would struggle with that.
Why is a new game not THE solution? The reason is simple: Innovation. When the transition from Destiny 1 to 2 was on the horizon, the new console generation was also taken into consideration. There was new, stronger hardware, and thus the option to develop a better game – PC players could enjoy 60 FPS.
There was a reason to switch, but if Destiny 3 is just a game where new exotics, armor, and events await you but no new features are offered, the community will be divided. Destiny 3 must offer an innovation that fans do not know: a seamless open world, for example, or completely new races to play.
New “known” content will not impress fans because exotics, weapons, and raids are already plentiful in Destiny 2, and players have their guardians, with whom they have spent years grinding. Many will not easily give that up.
Constant updates with a greater focus on Destiny
The currently more promising path is the route with constant updates. For many, this may sound boring now, but Bungie would only need to place a greater focus on their identity.
With “The Final Shape,” the developers have shown that content like from The Taken King, Forsaken, or Witch Queen is possible. Many fans are excited, and when Bungie releases something strong, the rush is also big – it just lacks the attention that Destiny 2 deserves.
Clearly, the loot shooter would also need technical updates. Engine upgrades that ensure that the game does not have to be held together with duct tape weekly. But if the developers could only place a greater focus on their identity, Destiny 2 would also flourish.
The game still has a strong presence, and with the conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga, Bungie can now finally take an entirely unknown and uncharted route to experiment. It remains to be seen what path Destiny 2 will take with Frontiers. What we can already expect after Echos is: Destiny 2 shows what awaits you after The Final Shape, talking about vampire hunters and captains.
