Sony-owned Bungie has announced another round of layoffs, marking the third time the studio has cut jobs since its acquisition in 2022. The reductions, confirmed on June 25, affect employees working on both Destiny 2 and the fledgling extraction shooter Marathon. The move comes as both titles face significant headwinds, raising fresh concerns about the studio’s future under Sony’s umbrella.
Bungie, renowned for creating some of gaming’s biggest franchises, has struggled over the past few years. These latest job cuts signal that the studio is still searching for a stable path forward.
Destiny 2 and Marathon Troubles Hit Bungie Hard
The layoffs did not come entirely out of the blue. Industry observers had anticipated cuts following the June 9 final content update for Destiny 2. Rumors had been circulating that Sony planned to wind down the Destiny franchise, and the latest layoffs saw most of the Destiny team let go. In an official statement, Bungie acknowledged the game’s underperformance: “We recognize Destiny 2 fell short of expectations these past several years. Following our final content update to Destiny 2, and with our future projects still in early incubation, we unfortunately could not continue operating at our previous size.”
Marathon, which launched in March 2026, also lost team members. Despite earning praise from core gaming communities, the extraction shooter failed to attract a broad audience. Steam Charts reported just 3,055 concurrent players at the time of this writing. PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst commented, “Marathon remains an important part of our portfolio, and we will continue to support the team as they build on the strong foundation established in Season 1 and 2.”
For Bungie, the situation is precarious: the studio must control costs while delivering a game that carries high expectations. Players now worry whether future updates and new content will be affected.
Leadership Changes Add More Uncertainty
Beyond the layoffs, multiple reports indicate that studio head Justin Truman is stepping down. Bungie has provided few details, but the timing adds to the uncertainty surrounding the company. A leadership change often signals a strategic shift, and fans are eager to see who will guide Bungie through this turbulent period. With Marathon still needing momentum and Destiny 2 requiring a fresh injection of energy, the next few months will be critical.
Can Bungie Bounce Back Again?
Bungie has recovered from difficult moments before, but the current challenge feels more severe. The success of Marathon will play a crucial role. If future updates are well-received, the game could give the studio a much-needed fresh start. Players are also questioning what lies ahead for Destiny: will Sony back another major project, or will Bungie shrink into a smaller studio focused on maintaining existing titles?
The answers remain unclear. What is certain is that the next chapter will determine where Bungie stands in the gaming world.