Bungie has announced that updates for Destiny 2 will officially end next month, as the studio's future appears increasingly uncertain. The developer has faced several rounds of layoffs in recent years, and now reports indicate even more job cuts are on the horizon.
Destiny 2 Updates Ending in June
In a blog post on Thursday, May 21, Bungie confirmed it will cease live service content updates for Destiny 2 on June 9, 2026, to shift focus toward new game projects. The studio emphasized that its passion for Destiny 2 remains unchanged, but it has become clear that after the release of The Final Shape expansion, the time has come for the Destiny universe to evolve beyond the current game.
Bungie stated that Destiny 2 will remain playable after this date, similar to how the original Destiny is still accessible. The final update aims to ensure the game remains welcoming for returning players.
No Destiny 3 in Immediate Plans
While many assumed a direct sequel, Destiny 3, would be among Bungie's next projects, a Bloomberg report claims the studio does not plan to immediately begin production on a Destiny 3. Instead, staff are reportedly preparing pitches for new projects, some set within the Destiny franchise, but none have been approved yet. This suggests any future games are likely a long way off.
Focus on Marathon
In the meantime, Bungie will concentrate on updates for Marathon, an extraction shooter that launched in March. Although initial sales were strong based on US data, player numbers have dropped significantly. According to SteamDB, Marathon hit 12,054 concurrent players in the past 24 hours, down from an all-time peak of 88,337 two months ago.
Further Layoffs Expected
Sources via Bloomberg indicate that a significant number of layoffs are planned following the end of Destiny 2. Bungie previously underwent sweeping layoffs in 2023 and 2024. The number of affected employees has not been disclosed, but the prospect of additional cuts is unsurprising given Sony's lack of return on its investment. Sony acquired Bungie for $3.6 billion in 2022 and recently reported a $765 million impairment loss related to Bungie assets after Marathon's launch.
This paints a bleak picture for Bungie's future, especially without Destiny 3 as a financial lifeline. The pressure now falls on Marathon's long-term success, though its unforgiving extraction shooter format may limit mass appeal.
