Recent news has brought a shake-up at Bungie, with two of its prominent executives, Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy, being part of the latest round of layoffs. This development has sparked widespread speculation and concern among fans and industry observers alike.
In a recent episode of the Game Mess Decides podcast, Jeff Grubb confirmed that Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy, both senior figures at Bungie, were among those let go as part of a significant downsizing at the studio. This move comes amidst a broader wave of job cuts, which has affected around 220 employees, amounting to 17% of Bungie’s workforce. Additionally, another 150 individuals are reportedly being reassigned within Sony Interactive Entertainment, Bungie’s new owner.
Smith and Noseworthy were notably working on a new project called Payback, set within the Destiny universe. This game was anticipated to be a major addition to the Destiny series, but with their departure, the future of Payback is now uncertain. Grubb noted that Payback has been shelved as part of the layoffs and restructuring.
Payback was expected to be a significant new venture for Bungie, designed to expand the Destiny universe further. However, the sudden halt of the project highlights the abrupt changes at Bungie. Sources have clarified that the decision to shut down Payback coincided with the departure of Smith and Noseworthy, leaving the project with no clear path forward.
Luke Smith, who served as the executive director at Bungie, was a key public figure for the studio, especially known for guiding Destiny 2’s narrative through its highs and lows. His leadership was instrumental in reviving fan excitement and setting a long-term direction for the game’s story.
Mark Noseworthy, the vice president of the Destiny universe, played a crucial role in shaping the Destiny franchise both as an intellectual property and a business. His strategic vision helped position Destiny as a major player in the gaming market.
In the wake of these layoffs, Bungie is undergoing significant restructuring. Executive Pete Parsons explained that the company needs to adapt its cost structure due to rising development costs, industry shifts, and economic conditions. This restructuring includes focusing development efforts entirely on existing projects like Destiny and Marathon while exploring new ventures.
Bungie is working on a new sci-fi game, distinct from Destiny 3 and Payback, which will be developed at a new internal studio within PlayStation. Additionally, Bungie is reviving Marathon as an extraction shooter, a departure from its previous gameplay style.
Despite the positive reception of Destiny 2’s latest expansion, The Final Shape, the future of the game remains uncertain. The significant layoffs raise questions about the scope and nature of future content. Fans may see a shift towards smaller content packs rather than the larger expansions Bungie has traditionally delivered.
The recent layoffs at Bungie, including the departure of key figures like Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy, represent a major shift for the studio. With Payback being shelved and significant restructuring underway, the future of Bungie’s projects is in flux. As the company focuses on Destiny and new ventures, fans will be keenly watching to see how these changes impact the Destiny universe and what new experiences Bungie will deliver in the future.
