Destiny 2 narrative director Alison Lührs discusses what players can anticipate regarding the story from The Edge of Fate to Renegades, including the shift away from the seasonal drip-feed model.
Since the release of The Edge of Fate, players have been adapting to its core system changes. Not only has the gameplay evolved, but this expansion also introduces a new content delivery structure. Destiny 2 will now offer two expansions a year, much like the Rise of Iron structure, rather than a single annual expansion. This marks a significant shift in the game’s development strategy.
In addition to the new expansion frequency, Bungie is moving away from the long-standing weekly seasonal storytelling approach. Previously, players engaged with quick missions or dialogues weekly, but this model is being phased out. Instead, Bungie is opting for more cohesive missions and events released between expansions.
Bungie’s New Narrative Approach and Future Content
In a recent discussion with content creator MrRoflWaffles, Lührs elaborated on Bungie’s transition away from weekly narrative content. “We wanted to move beyond the drip feed,” she noted, acknowledging that players sought a different engagement style. Now, instead of smaller weekly content pieces, Bungie aims to provide more substantial and interconnected narratives.
According to Lührs, while players can expect some unique missions between The Edge of Fate and the upcoming Renegades expansion, release on December 2, the primary focus of the narrative team will be to enhance Renegades. “We’re still telling a continuous story, ensuring that the interim content is relevant and not hidden away,” she explained.
Interestingly, Renegades stands out as the franchise’s first expansion to incorporate elements from another major IP, drawing inspiration from Star Wars. While the frequency of content updates is changing, Bungie is committed to providing meaningful storytelling and character development without overwhelming players with constant tiny updates.
Setting the Stage for Renegades
Regarding story direction pre-Renegades, Lührs hinted at various forthcoming plot points, using an analogy about ingredients in a fridge: “We’ve introduced a prophecy of extinction and the death of a Nine. What implications arise from that?” She emphasized that Renegades would be interconnected with previously established narratives and highlighted the introduction of new characters and explorations of familiar locations in innovative ways.
With hints of where Renegades might lead and what elements it may incorporate from the Star Wars universe, players can look forward to significant lore developments. For more details, you can explore more here. Additionally, renowned former Bungie composer Michael Salvatori is returning to craft the soundtrack, signaling exciting musical updates for the new expansion.
What are your thoughts on Bungie discontinuing the weekly seasonal format? Are you relieved to see the end of the drip-feed model, or did you appreciate the consistent update rhythm? Share your opinions in the comments.