Destiny 2 has been on the market for almost five years, and you can tell that this loot shooter is showing its age. Players are eager for a Destiny 3, but many factors suggest that there won’t be a classic successor in this form. Our MeinMMO author Christos Tsogos also believes that there will probably be no Destiny 3.
What are the criticisms of Destiny 2? Destiny 2 has existed for almost five years. Guardians have noticed for some time that the loot shooter is starting to show its age-related flaws. Weekly patches, followed by many recurring bugs and errors, lead to dissatisfaction with gameplay and increasingly require lengthy fixes.
Additionally, Destiny 2 was not designed as a live-service game. When Bungie and Activision split, Bungie reworked the concept. Players were meant to be engaged with ongoing seasons and regular DLCs.
Despite the constantly new seasons and DLCs, many players still desire a fundamental overhaul and finally a new and fresh installment of Destiny – without recurring problems. A fresh start, where Bungie would have the opportunity to get everything right. New hints are increasingly suggesting that there won’t be a Destiny 3 in this form.
No successor, but an entire universe
What speaks against Destiny 3? We reported on June 22 about a podcast by Luke Smith. In this, the former game director spoke about the future of Destiny and how it will be continued.
In the interview, Luke explicitly and often only speaks of “Destiny.” No Destiny 2 or 3, just Destiny as a whole. He is not working on the second installment of the loot shooter anymore, but together with his long-time production partner Mark Noseworthy on the Destiny brand.
This is to be further expanded, welcoming new and returning players with a “fresh wind.” Even after the last known DLC “The Final Shape,” which is set to be released in 2024, Bungie will only get the engines running again. What Luke Smith specifically means by this statement remains unclear.
Additionally, Bungie is working on a mobile game set in the Destiny universe, but which also has nothing to do with the current storylines of Destiny 2.
Basically, it is becoming clearer that there probably won’t be a Destiny 3, but Guardians might only receive a Destiny brand or a Destiny universe where everything is integrated meaningfully. A Bungie universe, where all known content will be accessible. This would finally be the Destiny that many players have wished for since the release of Destiny 2.
Author’s assessment: Bungie is very opaque regarding future plans for the loot shooter and does not reveal much. However, I believe that Destiny 3 is no longer an option for the developer. As such, it may never exist but instead transition into a large, cohesive universe.
A platform where every player feels welcome. Past content may then be made fully or better accessible, and even estranged veterans could find their way back.
Destiny 2 feels to me more like a testing ground. Features like the weapon forge or even the legends tab for past raids are being tested in the current installment to potentially integrate them optimally into the Destiny universe later on.
However, this is just my assessment. Destiny 2 is currently still being supported, but it is also noticeable that Bungie is making changes and filling positions. For example, former Riot Games director Derick Tsai has been hired, as well as recently Lauren Topal, who has worked for Netflix and Disney Animation Studios.
These major changes are also hinted at by a recent job posting for a Destiny Narrative Director at Bungie. It states:
In this role, you will align the narrative leadership with the future vision for the Destiny universe and laying the foundations for fans to enjoy in the coming decades. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that we create outstanding and authentic narrative experiences in the Destiny universe by advancing internal documentation and working cross-functionally to ensure that creative goals are aligned.
Excerpt from a Bungie job listing
These many new employees will surely not only bring internal changes but also fresh ideas to the game developer. They are expected to ensure that the stories from the Destiny universe can continue for “decades” within a Destiny universe.
I don’t believe the mobile game will be the new sole pillar for Bungie. I think this game is connected with the universe in which the developer will make it possible to unite all gaming platforms.
What do you think of the idea of receiving a completely new Destiny where everything is present? Do you think it’s cool? Or would you prefer that Bungie focuses on Destiny 2 so you don’t lose your hard-earned collection? Let us know in the comments!
