When irony hits, it often does so with a splash, making everyone turn heads. Destiny 2, the popular first-person shooter, recently introduced a new addition: The Mourner Sparrow. A haunting and quite morbid hover bike, it resembles a coffin, leading to a whirlwind of reactions from fans. Many comparing a certain irony to Bungie, the game developers.
While many gamers are thrilled to have a spooky-themed Sparrow just in time for seasonal scares, others can’t help but see the unintentional humor in its design. Could this be a subconscious nod to Bungie’s current crises? A company at a potential crossroad, and here’s a Sparrow that almost feels like a funeral march.
The Destiny world is very diverse. From Guardians zipping around planets to fierce battles against formidable foes. Yet, Sparrows have always been about more than just quick transport. They represent freedom, style, and, sometimes, a dash of player personality. And this new Sparrow? It’s all about dark humor, intended or not. Especially considering Bungie’s recent headlines.
Bungie’s layoff crisis
In recent days, news about Bungie’s internal turbulence has been hard to miss. Revelations about staff cuts, project delays, and financial troubles have painted a grim picture. These moves surprised many, coming overnight because revenues from Destiny 2 were plummeting. With earnings reported to be 45% below expectations, a sharp drop in user retention post the Lightfall expansion only worsened the situation.
Faced with dwindling numbers and a less-than-stellar perception of their upcoming Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape, Bungie took drastic measures. Delaying its release, they aimed to bolster its appeal.
We having a funeral for the game? Damn
— LUPASAN (@LUPASAN2) November 3, 2023
Reports suggest the new expansion won’t see the light until June 2024, while another title, Marathon, gets pushed even further to 2025. In a bid to the financial storm, Bungie announced layoffs, parting ways with many employees, many whom found out mere minutes before the decision. Even famous faces like Liana Rupert, Jason Guisao, and Michael Salvatori made the cut.
Behind the scenes, the pressure was mounting. Bungie’s acquisition by Sony in 2022 for a whopping $3.6 billion came with high expectations. Unfortunately, with several setbacks, it’s clear that the gaming giant is scrambling. Bungie is not alone, as the gaming industry has witnessed a brutal wave of layoffs in 2023. From Fortnite maker Epic Games to other PlayStation studios.
Wrapping up, one can’t help but ponder if the Mourner Sparrow, with its funeral-inspired design, is an accidental manifestation of Bungie’s current turmoil. While Destiny 2 continues to captivate its audience, Bungie’s challenges serve as a stark reminder that even giants in the gaming industry aren’t immune to crises.