Bungie’s former community manager believes player support is crucial for its future, according to IGN. Liana Ruppert stated that the issues facing Bungie predate its acquisition by Sony and emphasized the need to support the new game Marathon to ensure the company’s survival.
What happened
As fans of Destiny 2 mourn the game’s final update, Bungie’s former community manager has urged against comparing player counts between Destiny 2 and the new extraction shooter, Marathon. Ruppert stated that the company’s problems began long before Sony’s acquisition, emphasizing that the challenges existed prior to the $3.7 billion buyout.
Since Marathon’s release in March, player comparisons have increased, particularly against Destiny 2’s spiking numbers. Ruppert noted, “Bungie was below the red line before the Sony acquisition,” suggesting that if the acquisition had not occurred, the studio might have faced closure over Destiny development.
Although Destiny 2’s final update resulted in a spike of 167,000 concurrent players on Steam, Marathon’s all-time peak was only 77,358 at launch. Ruppert defended Marathon’s performance, asserting that it “scratches a small but VERY loyal niche” and is performing as expected.
Why it matters
The fate of Bungie remains uncertain amid calls for a new Destiny installment. Fans are pushing for a Destiny 3, despite industry conditions complicating its development. Ruppert argues that thriving, rather than competing with Destiny, is essential for the survival of Bungie and its future projects.
Background
On May 27, 2026, Bungie announced that it was ceasing development on new Destiny 2 content. This decision marked a significant transition for the studio, which had been a leader in the multiplayer gaming space. Previous difficulties led to the acquisition by Sony, with concerns about player retention looming before the final announcement.
What’s next
Bungie is now focusing on support for Marathon, while players continue to demand a Destiny 3. The company will address existing player concerns as it looks to solidify its future in the gaming landscape.
