The team behind Destiny 2 aims to provide a more curated experience for new and returning players, enabling everyone to enjoy it. With current player counts (per Steam) ranging from around 20,000 and upwards to just over double that, some might wonder if Bungie ought to be looking at moving on, perhaps with a third game or creating a new one altogether. However, in any case, the developers are currently attempting to revive interest in the nearly ten-year-old free-to-play online FPS MMO by adding more curated experiences that allow new players with basic skills, as well as those returning who find recent changes a bit unfamiliar, to jump right in and play.
Bungie assistant game director Robbie Stevens provided an interview with YouTuber MrRoffleWaffles explaining how the team is focused on making Destiny 2 more appealing for new and veteran players alike. From removing and returning content to changes in gameplay and mechanics, there can be a number of alterations made to online games that have been around for close to a decade, and in some instances, much more, making it more challenging to keep things fresh while not alienating your existing player base. The following was transcribed by PCGamesN.
“What’s the right focus of a new player experience and getting you into the systems of the game? For us, we need to put more focus on a more curated experience that understands that people are smart for some of the basics of how videogames work and it’s okay that they don’t need a ton of handholding there.”
Robbie Stevens, assistant game director
Stevens also clarified, “But when we do that, we want to do it in a way that does not take away from all the depth and buildcraft agency that being a more veteran or hardcore player comes with.”
No Destiny 3
It’s been almost a year since it was revealed that Bungie has no plans for a third instalment in the Destiny franchise. Sony reduced the studio’s staff by over one-third last August, with roughly 200 laid off and others reportedly being offered a chance to work in other parts of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier contacted former and present Bungie staff who told him that the studio was still recovering from overambitious growth and failed projects. They added that the studio had no plans for Destiny 3 and instead would be focused on supporting the current game with its then-new director, Tyson Green. It was also said, and aligns with Steven’s statements in his interview, that Bungie was working on improving the onboarding experience for new players.