After ‘Destiny 2,’ The Most Important Next Step For Bungie Doesn’t Involve ‘Marathon’

Bungie's survival hangs on a decision that has nothing to do with Marathon. The Destiny 2 developer, reeling from layoffs and player exodus, must choose between chasing its next big hit and stabilizing the studio's core—a choice that will define its future.

Bungie, the Bellevue-based studio behind the blockbuster Destiny franchise, faces a pivotal moment in mid-2026. After a tumultuous year marked by mass layoffs, executive departures, and declining Destiny 2 engagement, the company's next steps are more critical than ever. Many observers expected the studio to double down on its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, but industry analysts argue that Bungie's most important move isn't rushing that game to market—it's reinforcing the studio's foundation.

Bungie's troubles began in 2023, when it laid off roughly 220 employees and canceled its planned Destiny spinoffs. The layoffs came shortly after Sony's $3.6 billion acquisition, raising questions about integration pressures. By early 2025, Destiny 2's player base had shrunk by an estimated 45% year-over-year, according to third-party tracking sites. Key creative leaders, including Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy, had departed. The studio's long-term road map appeared uncertain.

Marathon, an extraction shooter set in a new sci-fi universe, was initially slated for 2025 but has been delayed to 2026. Speculation mounted that Bungie was pouring excessive resources into the project at the expense of its flagship game. However, recent insider reports suggest the studio is now prioritizing stability over speed. The Bungie next steps include reinvesting in Destiny 2's seasonal content, rebuilding trust with the community, and stabilizing internal teams before committing heavily to Marathon.

According to former employees, the studio's culture has been damaged by rapid growth and subsequent contraction. The focus on Bungie next steps involves structural changes: smaller, more autonomous teams, clearer communication from leadership, and a renewed emphasis on quality-of-life improvements for Destiny 2. Sony, which has been relatively hands-off, is now reportedly providing more operational support without dictating creative direction.

This moment echoes broader industry trends. Live-service giants like Bungie are learning that chasing the next hit can devastate existing franchises. The fate of games like Anthem and Battlefield V serves as a cautionary tale. Informed observers argue that Bungie must first prove it can sustain Destiny 2 for years to come before asking players to invest in Marathon. The studio's reputation hinges on execution, not announcements.

What happens next will be revealed over the next 6–12 months. Bungie plans to publish a revised Destiny 2 roadmap by late 2026, and Marathon's final release date will likely align with the studio's capacity to support both games. If the Bungie next steps succeed, the studio could emerge leaner and more focused. If they fail, the industry might lose one of its most influential developers.