Destiny 2 Hits Record Low Player Count on Steam Before Upcoming Star Wars Expansion

Bungie’s Turbulent Times: A Closer Look at Destiny 2’s Challenges

Describing Bungie’s recent years as tumultuous would be an understatement. The stumbles associated with the franchise, particularly Destiny 2, have overshadowed any silver linings. A series of layoffs, controversies surrounding intellectual property theft, and allegations of avaricious leadership have cast a long shadow over the studio’s efforts.

Destiny 2 Faces Record Low Player Count

Recent reports highlight an additional worrisome trend: Destiny 2 has reached a historic low in player numbers as per data from The Game Post. The game’s Steam Chart statistics indicate that it has fallen to its lowest player count since the launch on the platform in 2019. While Steam metrics are not the sole indicator of a game’s popularity, such a decline is troubling, especially following the recent release of the Edge of Fate expansion and in anticipation of an upcoming major expansion tied to the iconic Star Wars franchise, titled Renegades, set for release this December.

Current Player Statistics

According to the Steam Charts, the average number of monthly players for Destiny 2 was documented at 18, 349 at the time of The Game Post’s findings. Currently, the average sits even lower at approximately 18, 100 players over the past thirty days. This downward trend raises concerns about the game’s engagement levels.

Can Star Wars Revitalize the Player Base?

The impending Star Wars-themed expansion might offer Bungie a potential lifeline to rejuvenate interest in Destiny 2. The idea of wielding a lightsaber could entice both new players and veterans to return. However, there is skepticism surrounding whether merely introducing such iconic elements can address the broader issue of accessibility in the game. Many potential players find the learning curve intimidating, especially for those who have taken a break from the franchise.

More Changes at Bungie

In additional developments, Bungie has announced a closed technical test for its upcoming game, Marathon, allowing players the opportunity to sign up for participation. Furthermore, the studio has seen a significant shift in leadership, with Pete Parsons, a long-time executive at Bungie, recently retiring from his position.

As Bungie navigates these challenges and changes, the gaming community remains watchful, eager to see how these dynamics will reshape the future of Destiny 2 and the studio as a whole.

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