UPDATE: Bloomberg has reported that Bungie is planning ‘important’ layoffs and that Future 3 will not be within the works. Bungie will pitch different Future tasks whereas the remaining crew maintain and assist Marathon.
The unique story follows:
Bungie introduced earlier right now that Future 2 assist is coming to an finish as its subsequent replace shall be its final. Naturally, followers are fairly upset.
The information come after a tumultuous few years for Bungie. In 2022, Sony acquired Bungie for $3.6 billion and ever since then, issues have been rocky. Final 12 months, Sony famous that Bungie was failing to satisfy expectations when it got here to Future 2’s efficiency, leading to a $204 million impairment loss. The losses have continued to pile up, as Sony lately famous a $765 impariment loss following the discharge of Marathon earlier this 12 months. Now, Bungie is shifting away from Future 2 whereas promising huge modifications for Marathon.
Followers have responded to the Future 2 information with nice unhappiness, fearing this can be the start of the tip for Bungie. “It’s over for Bungie,” speculated a consumer on X. “Future 2 died so Marathon might die a bit bit later,” mentioned one other consumer.
Others are extra hopeful, taking it to presumably imply that Future 3 is on the way in which and Bungie is ending assist for an older sport in favor of supporting a brand new one. “That is the right name. It ought to’ve ended years in the past with Witch Queen leaving us on a cliffhanger till D3. This is hoping that they lastly put their deal with a Future 3, and we will get again to taking part in each day once more,” mentioned an optimistic fan.
One other fan famous that they hoped Bungie is not sacrificing Future for Marathon: “I hope Future 3 is in early improvement, this franchise deserves higher than being deserted for Marathon.”
Some aren’t as satisfied of the transfer signaling a rosier future for Future, although. “That’s not how I’m studying it. You wouldn’t announce the tip of Future 2 and not using a clear dedication to future Future titles,” mentioned The Verge’s Tom Warren.
Former Future 2 sport director Joe Blackburn additionally mirrored on the information, expressing how a lot he valued his time engaged on the collection. “Future made a mark on me as a participant first. Getting an opportunity to work in that world is an honor I will by no means totally have the ability to repay,” Blackburn wrote on X. “Each out and in of sport, Future 2 cast the core recollections that made me who I’m right now. Due to everybody who introduced the tower to life on a regular basis.”
In the end, the longer term stays extraordinarily unclear. Bungie has extra tasks incubating and one in all them is probably going Future 3, however simply because one thing is within the very early phases doesn’t suggest it would launch. Incubation tasks are largely accomplished so groups can prototype and determine future video games earlier than greenlighting them for full manufacturing with huge budgets and milestones. Respawn Leisure canceled two incubation tasks final 12 months, so there is no telling what is going to come of those titles.
Both manner, Bungie will proceed to replace Marathon. The crew lately confirmed it was including extra PvE content material, possible as a method to lure in gamers who aren’t into the PVP extraction gameplay. Marathon might evolve into one thing a bit extra broad to cater to a wider participant base. The sport’s participant counts are considerably decrease than Future 2, so it will be fascinating to see if Bungie can flip it throughout.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s information crew. He covers all issues leisure, together with gaming, movie, and extra. You will discover him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.
