Recently, it was reported that Bungie has cancelled an unannounced project in the Destiny universe known as Payback. This project was being developed by former Destiny 2 game director Luke Smith and project lead Mark Noseworthy. While both Noseworthy and Smith have reportedly lost their jobs in the company’s recent cost-cutting efforts, Payback’s cancellation actually happened before the layoffs took place. According to Gamespot’s Tamoor Hussain, Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb, and Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, the decision to drop Payback was made quite some time ago. Although information about Payback first surfaced in April, Bungie has remained silent on the matter.
The cancellation of Payback seems to have played a role in the departure of Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy from Bungie. Sources at Gamespot have stated that the pair have been left with “no path forward at Bungie” due to executive restructuring during the recent layoffs. This news comes as a shock to many, especially considering the significant contributions Smith and Noseworthy have made to the Destiny franchise over the years. It’s disheartening to see such talented individuals let go in the wake of a project cancellation.
The fallout from Bungie’s decision to cancel Payback is being felt across the Destiny development team. The layoffs have reportedly been in the works for some time, irrespective of the success of Destiny 2’s recent expansion, The Final Shape. Key members of The Final Shape’s senior team, including senior narrative designer Robert Brookes and narrative lead Kwan Perng, are among those who have departed the company. This loss of talent comes as a blow to the Destiny community, especially after the efforts to steer Destiny 2 back on track following the disappointing Lightfall expansion.
Company Restructuring
In addition to the layoffs, Bungie has shifted 155 roles to its parent company, Sony Interactive Entertainment. These roles will be part of a new PlayStation studio that is working on an untitled “action game set in a brand-new science-fantasy universe. The remaining team members at Bungie will now focus on the development of the Marathon reboot and other future Destiny projects. This restructuring signals a significant change in direction for the company, as it navigates the aftermath of the Payback cancellation and subsequent layoffs.
CEO Accountability
Bungie CEO Pete Parsons has come under scrutiny for his handling of the recent layoffs and project cancellations. Some have criticized Parsons for spending a large sum of money on cars, including a Porsche worth over $200,000, following a previous round of layoffs in October. This lavish spending has raised questions about the company’s financial priorities and the treatment of its employees. Calls for Parsons to resign have grown louder among laid-off developers and Destiny players, who view his actions as a betrayal of trust and responsibility.
The cancellation of Payback and the subsequent layoffs at Bungie have sent shockwaves through the Destiny community and the gaming industry as a whole. The departure of key team members and the restructuring of the company’s development efforts raise concerns about the future of the Destiny franchise. As Bungie grapples with the fallout of these decisions, the company must address the implications for its employees, its projects, and its leadership. Only time will tell how Bungie navigates this challenging period and rebuilds trust with its community.
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