Destiny
News, coverage and analysis tracking Destiny across the outlets.
The Division was originally a World of Warcraft style MMO, but "that skill component wasn't there", says Massive EntertainmentMassive Entertainment revealed that The Division was initially conceived as a World of Warcraft-style MMORPG with a hotbar and companion system. The developers discussed how they shifted the gameplay focus to incorporate more traditional shooter mechanics, leading to the game's eventual launch and success. The article also mentions the game's 10th anniversary and the ongoing development of The Division 3.
Video Game Industry Woes Continue With More Mass Layoffs At Iron GalaxyIron Galaxy Studios has announced a second round of layoffs, potentially affecting up to 90 employees, as it adapts to the current climate of the video game industry. The studio cited slowed growth and changing publisher criteria for contract work as reasons for restructuring. This follows a previous downsizing in 2025 and reflects a broader trend of industry-wide downsizing since the pandemic.
Marathon Review – What did we extract from its first month and Season 1?Bungie's new extraction shooter, Marathon, offers a challenging and rewarding experience for dedicated players, differentiating itself with unique Runner Shells and a deep narrative. The game features slick movement and gunplay, but a short time-to-kill and complex item management can be punishing. Its seasonal reset system aims to maintain competitiveness by wiping player progression, a bold move for the live service genre.
Marathon is a good game, former FPS pro Shroud says, "the problem right now is it's too hard"Former FPS pro Shroud believes Bungie's Marathon is a good game but is currently too difficult, hindering player retention and first impressions. He suggests that while the high barrier to entry might be a positive in the long run as content is added, the game needs a better onboarding process to help new players get into it.
Halo composer Marty O'Donnell welcomes Trump endorsement in Nevada Congress race, despite previous statements that…Former Halo composer Marty O'Donnell, running for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, has received an endorsement from Donald Trump. Trump praised O'Donnell as a "World-Class Composer and Entrepreneur" in a Truth Social post. O'Donnell, who previously worked on games like Halo and Destiny, stated he is honored by the President's support.- Trump Endorses Halo ComposerMarty O'Donnell, the composer famous for his work on Halo and Destiny, has received an endorsement from Donald Trump for his congressional campaign. O'Donnell is seeking to represent New York's 1st congressional district.
Marathon Review | TheXboxHubThis review of Marathon expresses conflict due to the game's strong emphasis on PvP, which the reviewer personally dislikes, despite appreciating developer Bungie's past work. The game features an extraction shooter loop with PvPvE elements, where players must gather gear and extract, risking loss upon death. While visually similar to Destiny, the reviewer finds the high barrier to entry and reliance on uncooperative random teammates to be significant drawbacks for non-PvP players.
A Love Letter To Gaming's Many Weird MoonsThis article explores the recurring presence and diverse interpretations of the Moon in video games, from its use as a setting for combat and puzzles in titles like Portal 2 and Super Mario Odyssey to its symbolic significance in Bloodborne and The Legend of Zelda series. It highlights how games like Destiny and Outer Wilds leverage the Moon's mystique to create unique player experiences, reflecting humanity's fascination with space and celestial bodies.
Uncharted 5 Was Planned at Naughty Dog Before COVID – RumorA report suggests that Naughty Dog had plans for an Uncharted 5 before the COVID-19 pandemic, though the studio is currently focused on its new IP, Intergalactic. The rumor emerged following a social media post by creative director Shaun Escayg, which some interpreted as research for a new Uncharted title. The article also discusses the industry trend of studios prioritizing sequels to established franchises over new intellectual property.
Here's your chance to get Marathon for just $1 and score one of my favorite FPS games in recent years for a tiny priceBungie's extraction shooter Marathon is available for a limited time for $1 as part of a Fanatical Mystery Egg Bundle promotion. The game is praised for its sci-fi atmosphere and intense gunplay, though it features a challenging learning curve where players lose all gear upon death. Other potential prizes in the bundle include indie titles and older AAA games.- Marathon’s latest patch just nerfed Thief’s ‘slide cancel’ movement tech, because if you give Destiny players an inch, they will always take a mileBungie has released a new patch for Marathon that nerfs the 'slide cancel' movement exploit previously available to the Thief class. The developer stated that rapid repositioning must have a meaningful cost, and unbounded movement is unhealthy for the game's pace. The update also includes numerous bug fixes and minor tweaks across various game systems.
"0.63 is the perfect default delay": Bungie, Respawn and Firaxis game developers talk NPC barks, grenade timing and other questions of craftGame developers from studios like Firaxis, Bungie, and Respawn shared practical advice on various aspects of game development, including NPC dialogue, UI animation timing, and combat design principles. The discussion, initiated on Bluesky, highlighted the importance of small details in creating satisfying player experiences.
Marathon Review - Incredible Highs, Painful Lows | GameSpotMarathon is an extraction shooter that emphasizes player choice and consequences within each run. Bungie's expertise is evident in its excellent audio design, gunplay, and intricate level design, drawing parallels to Destiny raids. The game is set to release in 2026 for PC.
After 75 hours, Marathon is already one of my favorite shooters in years | GamesRadarMarathon is an extraction shooter that excels through Bungie's signature gunplay and audio design, combined with intricate level design. The game successfully blends choice and consequence within its runs, drawing on over a decade of experience from Destiny raids to create a special experience. Bungie proves its continued mastery of the shooter genre with this title.- Marathon Review - Actions Have Consequences | Game InformerMarathon is an extraction shooter that emphasizes player choice and the consequences of each run, according to Game Informer. Bungie's expertise in audio design, gunplay, and raid-like level design from Destiny contributes to a special experience, proving the studio remains at the top of its game.
Games Inbox: Is the Nintendo Switch 2 becoming a failure?Readers express concerns about the Nintendo Switch 2's perceived lack of marketing, high price point, and unclear game lineup, suggesting these factors are contributing to potential sales issues. The discussion also touches on broader industry concerns like the impact of Fortnite's potential decline, Epic Games' layoffs, and the economic climate affecting expensive console purchases.
Marathon is the first FPS to challenge Escape from Tarkov on its own turf, and after 80 hours I'm glad Bungie…Bungie's Marathon is a stylish take on the extraction shooter genre, offering a faster pace and more accessible mechanics than titles like Escape from Tarkov. After 80 hours, the reviewer finds it to be a compelling experience that successfully blends high-stakes PvP with engaging lore and streamlined systems, making it a favorite multiplayer shooter.
Games Inbox: Is Crimson Desert being underrated?This article compiles reader opinions on Crimson Desert, with some players finding it addictive and a deep sandbox simulation, while others consider it disappointing and barebones. The discussion also touches on other games like Resident Evil, Grand Theft Auto 6, and the practices of companies like Rockstar Games.
Top 12 Most Expensive Video Game Buyouts Of All TimeThis article lists the top 12 most expensive video game buyouts, with Microsoft's $75.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard topping the list. Other major deals include EA's $55 billion sale to an investor consortium and Take-Two's $12.7 billion purchase of Zynga. The analysis highlights trends of industry consolidation and significant investment from entities like Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.- Demos and FreebiesDestiny on PC utilizes physics-based dice rolls for aiming and combat, allowing players to shape their builds and unleash them in chaotic bullet hell encounters. The game focuses on strategic dice placement to create unique builds.