Mass Layoffs Have Started At Bungie After The End Of Destiny 2

Bungie is trimming its workforce following the final update to Destiny 2 earlier this month. The studio posted a “reduction in force” on social media, announcing it was “reorganizing Bungie,” but it has not yet disclosed how many developers will be let go. The company, famed for Halo and other sci‑fi shooters, has been grappling with challenges since Sony acquired it for $3.6 billion a few years ago.

The studio acknowledged the profound impact on the affected employees, their families, friends, and teammates. While the changes are deemed necessary to position the company for the present and future, they do not diminish the difficulty of this moment or its effect on those impacted.

Bungie also noted that future projects remain in early incubation. Despite ongoing support for its new extraction shooter Marathon, which will receive content through at least the end of 2026, the studio said it could no longer sustain its previous scale. Current estimates place Bungie’s workforce at roughly 800, down from about 1,300 during the pandemic‑era boom and already reduced by several hundred after earlier layoffs.

Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, communicated the cuts to staff, revealing that most Destiny 2 personnel and some Marathon developers were laid off, with a few Sony Interactive Entertainment employees also affected. He emphasized that the decision, made after extensive discussion and careful consideration, was necessary to align resources with the studio’s long‑term priorities.

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a significant workforce reduction at Bungie, impacting a large portion of the Destiny team and several members of the Marathon squad. The cuts also extend to SIE support teams that collaborate with Bungie. Employees across both Bungie and SIE are being notified today.

This decision carries a heavy emotional toll, especially for the talented professionals whose roles are being eliminated. It was reached only after exhaustive deliberation and meticulous assessment. Over recent months, Bungie’s leadership and SIE executives examined the studio’s long‑term trajectory, development priorities, resource allocation, and its place within the broader portfolio. After evaluating multiple alternatives, they concluded that a reduction was essential to align resources with current priorities and future ambitions.

Bungie recently announced in its Destiny 2 update that the studio is embarking on a new chapter following the conclusion of the game’s final live‑service content update. The decade‑long legacy of Destiny has left an indelible mark on players and the industry alike, and every contributor can take pride in the achievements they helped realize.

Marathon remains a vital component of our portfolio, and we will continue to back the team as they build upon the solid foundation laid in Seasons 1 and 2 and pursue incubation efforts for upcoming projects. While it is still early to detail specifics, the creative potential and opportunities ahead are promising.

We remain optimistic about the future, buoyed by the ingenuity and possibilities that lie ahead for Marathon and the broader Bungie ecosystem.

Our top priority is to support the employees affected by this transition. We are providing comprehensive transition assistance and, wherever possible, actively seeking opportunities across SIE and our global network of studios.

I sincerely thank every affected employee for their dedication, creativity, and the invaluable contributions they have made to Bungie, SIE, and the wider gaming community.

I understand that today’s announcement is profoundly difficult not only for those leaving but also for the colleagues and friends who remain. Please take the time you need to process this news and to support one another.