Mass Layoffs Have Started At Bungie After The End Of Destiny 2
Skip to content
BungieDestiny 2Sonny
By
Ethan Gach
Published June 25, 2026
Comments (1)
𝕏
Copied!
Bungie
Layoffs are underway at Bungie following Destiny 2‘s final update earlier this month. The studio announced a "reduction in force" on social media as "we reorganize Bungie," but did not yet disclose how many developers will be let go. The legendary creator of Halo and other sci-fi shooters has struggled ever since it was acquired by Sony for $3.6 billion several years ago.<br>"We know this decision has a profound impact on the people affected, their families, friends, and teammates," the studio announced today. "While these changes are necessary to best position the studio now and for the future, that does not lessen the difficulty of this moment or the impact it has on those affected."<br>— Bungie (@bungie.net) 2026-06-25T14:18:48.462Z
Bungie added that future projects are "still in early incubation." Despite its ongoing support for its new extraction shooter Marathon, which has new content planned through at least the end of 2026, the statement said the studio "could not continue operating at our previous size." Recent estimates put Bungie’s headcount at around 800, which was already down several hundred following previous rounds of mass layoffs from a pandemic-era boom of around 1,300.
Head of PlayStation Studios Hermen Hulst messaged staff today informing them of the cuts at Bungie, stating that most of the team working on Destiny 2 as well as some Marathon developers had been laid off. Some members of Sony Interactive Entertainment have been impacted as well. "This is painful news, especially for talented colleagues whose roles have been eliminated," Hulst wrote. "This decision was made only after extensive discussion and careful consideration, and I want to provide some context on how we arrived here. Over the past several months, together with Bungie leadership, we reviewed the studio’s long-term direction, development priorities, resource needs, and role within our broader portfolio strategy. We explored multiple alternatives before concluding that a reduction was necessary to align the studio’s resources with its current priorities and long-term goals."<br>His whole letter is posted below:<br>Dear Team,<br>Today I want to share a difficult update regarding Bungie.<br>We have made the decision to reduce Bungie’s workforce, affecting a significant number of employees, including most of the Destiny team and some Marathon team members. There are also reductions across SIE teams that support Bungie’s operations. Those impacted at Bungie and within SIE are being informed today.<br>This is painful news, especially for talented colleagues whose roles have been eliminated. This decision was made only after extensive discussion and careful consideration, and I want to provide some context on how we arrived here. Over the past several months, together with Bungie leadership, we reviewed the studio’s long-term direction, development priorities, resource needs, and role within our broader portfolio strategy. We explored multiple alternatives before concluding that a reduction was necessary to align the studio’s resources with its current priorities and long-term goals.<br>As Bungie recently shared in its Destiny 2 update, the studio has begun a new journey following the release of the game’s final live-service content update. What Bungie has accomplished with Destiny over the past decade has been truly remarkable. The franchise has left a lasting mark on players and the industry, and everyone who contributed to its success should be proud of what they helped create.<br>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, and as they work on incubation efforts for future projects. While it’s too early to discuss, we are encouraged by the creativity and opportunities that lie ahead.<br>Our immediate priority is supporting affected employees through this transition. We are providing transition support and, where possible, working to identify opportunities across SIE and our global network of studios.<br>I want to sincerely thank every affected employee for their hard work, creativity, and contributions to Bungie, SIE, and the broader gaming community.<br>I know today’s news is deeply difficult not only for those leaving, but for those colleagues and friends that remain. Please take the time you need to process this news and support one another.<br>Thank you for your resilience and continued support during this difficult time.<br>Hermen Hulst CEO, Studio Business Group
🕹️ Level up your inbox
Don’t miss the latest reviews, news and tips. Sign up for our free newsletter.
Sign me up
Leave this field empty if you're human:
You May Also Like
CultureNews
Marathon’s First PVE-Only Mode Sounds Sick And Is Designed For Solo Players
I want to play Vault Breaker right...