'Generational talent just gone': Developers react in shock at the brutal scale of Bungie layoffs, which has reportedly seen the Destiny 2 team almost completely wiped out

The other shoe has dropped. Following Destiny 2's last major update and widespread reports that Bungie was preparing for mass layoffs, Sony and the studio announced a "reduction in force" that includes most of the people who were working on Destiny 2, as well as several on the Marathon team and external contractors.

Exact numbers have not been given by Sony, but a required WARN notice issued by the studio says 292 positions were affected in Washington, where Bungie is headquartered (as spotted by GameFile's Stephen Totilo). That number does not include external or remote workers who were affected, so the real total is likely much higher. It's a bloodbath.

Despite Sony conveniently timing these layoffs on the same day GTA 6 pre-orders started, the gutting of one of the most storied and talented studios of the 21st century is all that people are talking about. Reactions across the hobby have included anger, sadness, and whatever you want to make of this official White House tweet. As is the way with this seemingly never-ending cycle of layoffs, we're also hearing from many of the employees affected by the layoffs, with many posts illustrating just how devastating this downsizing actually is.

Sandbox

Basically the whole D2 Sandbox team is gone, myself included. The good news is if you liked the way Destiny felt to shoot and play, there’s going to be a lot of great designers in the market looking to help other games step it up.June 25, 2026

Cinematics

The entire Cinematic org was included. Let me know if you're looking to pick up a Director and/or other talented cine folks at any level.

— @johnebenger.bsky.social (@johnebenger.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-06-25T22:50:58.907Z

Raid and dungeons

Got hit by layoffs today, most of RaD was hit. It's been incredible to work on so many amazing experiences with so many great people. That was the best team at the studio for sure. Culture, skill, and collaboration. I'll miss it.June 25, 2026

Engineering

After nearly 4 years at Bungie, my role has been eliminated as of today.It has truly been a pleasure to have worked on Marathon and Destiny with such talented individuals for so long. Testing at Bungie really was different, but I'm going to miss my team the most 💙💚June 25, 2026

VFX

I'm impacted by today's layoffs, as is essentially the entire Destiny VFX team, leads and all.It was a good half decade, Bungie.June 25, 2026

Art

It’s been one hell of a ride, y’all. I have been impacted by today’s layoffs. I’m not sure what to say other than thank you so much for being a part of our worlds. I am so beyond grateful to have contributed to a tiny part of them. I hope they inspired you.Ad Astra, Et Ultra. pic.twitter.com/cuKQcu2eB0June 25, 2026

Quality Assurance

Unfortunately my position was affected by this round of layoffs. My watch has ended as a QA Engineer - 4 years 8 months of full time employment + another 9 months of Contract QA work. 4 months short of a wicked shield to help celebrate my accomplishments 😅 https://t.co/1akDqj3nzfJune 25, 2026

Community

💙 To our community: thank you, you know, for being my Guardians.My journey with Bungie has ended today along with hundreds of my peers. Working on the storied Destiny franchise has been a privilege and my colleagues are the absolute best in the industry.On to new adventures! https://t.co/YBtIJeW9jkJune 25, 2026

On the Marathon team, developer Biru Jones, who contributed to the extraction shooter's powerful sound design, said they were let go.

Laid off but here some notable things I did sound for, either all of or parts of: Marathon: UESC everything, Dropships, Doors, Barriers, Cryo Vault experience, Graffiti, elevators, random objects, machines, terminals, explosions, intractables… Destiny 2: Skimmers, (1/2) https://t.co/rKlgwegIqiJune 25, 2026

Among the layoffs are longtime Bungie veterans like test lead Dawn Vu, who was about to celebrate 14 years working on Destiny.

Would have been 14 years at Bungie working on Destiny. Like MANY of us, I'm also affected by today's lay offs. Thank you everyone I've had the privilege of working with