Bungie’s Creative Direction Sparks Internal Debate Over Single-Player Future

A recent insight into Bungie’s internal dynamics reveals a growing creative tension within the studio. While some developers are eager to explore single-player game development, the company appears committed to its established live-service model. This direction continues despite reported attempts from team members to pitch smaller, focused narrative experiences.

According to Destiny Bulletin owner Zuhaad Ali, multiple developers at Bungie have shown interest in creating single-player focused games. These creators reportedly attempted to pitch smaller-scale projects that would require fewer resources, but their proposals were quickly dismissed. The situation highlights an apparent disconnect between creative aspirations and corporate strategy.

The studio’s current trajectory remains firmly anchored in the live-service realm. Bungie’s upcoming project Marathon is in development, while another ambitious venture, a PlayStation-exclusive MOBA title codenamed Gummy Bears, is also in the works. The latter project, being developed by a team integrated into a new PlayStation studio, reportedly draws inspiration from Super Smash Bros. while aiming to create something unique in the genre.

This steadfast commitment to live-service games comes at an interesting time, considering the recent wave of PlayStation live-service cancellations, including Bungie’s own Destiny spin-off project codenamed Payback. These cancellations largely stemmed from concerns about potential return on investment, even with projected long-term support. Despite these industry shifts, Bungie maintains its course in the live-service space, leaving the future of potential single-player projects uncertain.