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Bungie is laying off once again. It’s the third time the studio has faced job cuts since Sony acquired it in 2022. On June 25, the Sony-owned studio confirmed that a fresh round of layoffs had been carried out, affecting employees working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. The decision comes at a time when both games are facing challenges, putting the studio under more pressure than ever.
Bungie has made some of the biggest games in the industry. However, the studio has struggled over the past few years, and these latest job cuts show that it is still trying to find the right path.
The latest layoffs at Bungie aren’t completely sudden. Critics and industry experts have been indicating this after the last update of Destiny 2 was released on June 9. Rumors have been circulating that Sony is planning to shut down the Destiny franchise, and proving them true, the company bid goodbye to most of Destiny's members in the latest layoff.
In the official post announcing the layoffs, the studio cited the game’s failure as a reason. It wrote, “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.”
Well, it’s not only Destiny; some members from Marathon also lost their jobs. This extraction shooter also faced a rocky path since its release in March 2026. Despite receiving praise from core gaming groups, the game failed to get players as expected. At the time of writing, the Steam Charts says the game has only 3,055 players.
However, while discussing the Bungie layoffs, PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst said, “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, this has created a difficult situation. The studio is trying to control costs while also finishing a game that carries high expectations. For players, the layoffs bring another worry. Many now wonder if future updates and new content will be affected.
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The layoffs are not the only big story. Several reports also say that studio head Justin Truman is stepping down. Bungie has not shared many details, but the timing has added to the uncertainty around the company.
A leadership change often means a new direction. Right now, fans are waiting to see who will lead Bungie through this difficult period. With Marathon still on the way and Destiny 2 needing a fresh infusion of energy, the next few months could be very important.
Bungie has recovered from tough times before, but this challenge feels bigger. Marathon’s success can play a crucial role. If the game is well-received after future updates, it could give the studio a much-needed fresh start.
Players are also asking what comes next for Destiny. Will Sony support another major project, or will Bungie become a smaller studio focused on supporting existing games?
The answers are still unclear. One thing is certain: the next chapter will decide where Bungie stands in the gaming world.
