Evolving Light: The Evolution of Destiny
Bungie has always been a studio known for their story-based video games such as the original Halo trilogy. Their latest franchise, Destiny is no different. Destiny (released in 2013) was a huge step for bungie and was well received. There were some hiccups along the way but ultimately over the next 4 years, they managed to deliver an amazing story along with amazing visuals, mechanics, unforgettable characters, and experiences that no one will soon forget. In 2017, Bungie released Destiny 2 which is going strong to this day. They took what they learned from Destiny 1 and greatly improved it.[1]
Destiny 2 got right what Destiny 1 got wrong. There is more focus on story beats, more interactions and depth with old and new characters, new abilities, weapons, and gear to chase as well as greatly enhanced visuals that are stunning. Although Bungie follows the same formula with each expansion, they also know how to listen to their fans and improve what needs tweaking to help deliver the story they promised us and what we all know they can deliver on. With Destiny 2 approaching year 5, many facets of the game have changed since the beginning until now. Players can now wield the powers of the darkness, new and returning weapons from the original Destiny, new and returning characters, new locations, callbacks from Destiny 1 and much more. Destiny has always been an ever-evolving game with a literal vast universe to explore and experience. Each season and each year, Bungie has made major changes to how the game and in world universe works.
Gaining new powers, seeing beloved character’s die, seeing hated characters die and become reborn as interesting new ones, new locations and going back to old locations that fans loved and have begged for years to have come back and not to forget, a new user interface that brings the player closer to their in-game character, weekly story missions[2] that slowly built up important story points but also had multiple story beats from years of buildup pay off in one form or another. Bungie isn’t afraid to change things up to improve and develop the narrative they want to present. This is what makes the studio stand out for not only its fiercely loyal and dedicated fanbase but to everyone in the video game community and beyond. Bungie has stated Destiny will be a 10 yearlong story. With the reveal of years 5, 6 and 7 with release years, they are on the right track to not disappoint fans with what was promised.
Image of Bungie’s roadmap for the next few years for Destiny 2. Image by Bungie Studios via Twitter.
[1] Dave Smith. (June 3, 2018 Sunday). The next two weeks could make or break the 'Destiny' franchise. The Business Insider. https://advance-lexis-com.oclc.fullsail.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:5SGD-DYJ1-JCMN-Y46J-00000-00&context=1516831.
[2] Stephen Totilo. (September 29, 2021 Wednesday). How Bungie gave "Destiny 2" a can't miss weekly storyline. Newstex Blogs Axios. https://advance-lexis-com.oclc.fullsail.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:63R9-27R1-F03R-N3CM-00000-00&context=1516831.
