Destiny 2 Hits Record Low Player Count, Raising Further Questions About SonyS Bungie Acquisition
Seattle, WA – Destiny 2 recently recorded its lowest concurrent player count on Steam since tracking began, hitting a peak of just 98,211 players, according to data from SteamDB. This decline in player numbers is fueling renewed scrutiny of Sony’s $3.6 billion acquisition of Bungie in 2022.
The dwindling player base signals a meaningful shift for the once-dominant looter-shooter,prompting discussion about the future of the franchise and the performance of Bungie under Sony’s ownership.While steam figures don’t represent the entirety of Destiny 2’s player base-the game is also available on PlayStation consoles and Xbox-they are widely considered a strong indicator of overall popularity.
Many industry observers and players have suggested Bungie should have begun winding down destiny 2’s growth cycle earlier, particularly in light of criticisms surrounding the studio’s seasonal content plans. Calls for a Destiny 3 have grown, but the feasibility of such a large-scale project is increasingly doubted given Bungie’s current challenges.
The situation is further intricate by the troubled development of Bungie’s other major project, Marathon. Originally announced as a revival of the classic Mac shooter, Marathon is now preparing for a closed technical test after facing indefinite delays and significant controversy. The game’s success is seen as crucial for restoring public confidence in Bungie.
The acquisition, once hailed as a major win for Sony, is now facing increased questioning as Bungie struggles to maintain momentum with its flagship title and navigate the launch of a new IP.
