Destiny 3: Would we get another one from the franchise?

The conclusion of the 10-year saga in Destiny 2’s The Final Shape expansion has naturally led fans to speculate about the future of the franchise, specifically the possibility of a Destiny 3. However, recent developments and reports indicate that such a sequel is not in Bungie's immediate plans, and the studio faces significant challenges that may delay any potential new installment.

Current State of Destiny 3 Speculation

1. No Official Confirmation: Bungie has not officially announced Destiny 3. Instead, they have outlined plans for Destiny 2, including three episodes following The Final Shape and a new expansion, Codename Frontiers, slated for 2025.

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2. Internal and External Reports:

   • Jeff Grubb’s Report: On August 1, 2024, Jeff Grubb reported that an internally referenced project called "Payback" (supposedly considered as the next Destiny) has been shelved. He emphasized that Bungie is not actively working on Destiny 3 in any meaningful way.
   • Jason Schreier’s Report: Schreier confirmed that Destiny 3 was never in development, and "Payback," a separate spinoff project, was canceled well before the recent layoffs at Bungie.

Impact of Bungie's Layoffs

The layoff of 220 Bungie employees less than two months after the release of The Final Shape expansion has significantly impacted the company’s ability to pursue new projects. This restructuring suggests that Bungie is focusing on stabilizing and maintaining Destiny 2 rather than launching a new title.

"Payback" and Future of Destiny

1. Leak and Speculation: Prior to The Final Shape’s reveal, a leak on the Destiny 2 subreddit mentioned a system called "Prism" and a potential Destiny 3 codenamed "Payback." This led to speculation about significant gameplay changes, such as the removal of class restrictions.

2. Cancellation of "Payback": Subsequent reports clarified that "Payback" was an early spinoff project, not a full-fledged sequel, and it has been canceled. This reinforces the notion that Bungie’s focus is not on developing a new Destiny game in the near term.

Bungie’s Current Focus

While fans may still hope for a Destiny 3, Bungie's immediate efforts appear directed towards:

• Enhancing and expanding Destiny 2 with new episodes and expansions.
• Addressing internal challenges and stabilizing the company post-layoffs.
• Maintaining the player base and ensuring the continued success of Destiny 2.

Conclusion

Though Destiny 3 might eventually come to fruition, it is unlikely to happen soon. Bungie’s current focus is on managing and evolving Destiny 2 while navigating significant internal restructuring. Fans will have to be patient and enjoy the upcoming content for Destiny 2 while keeping an eye on any future developments regarding a potential sequel.