Destiny 2 is changing, and developer Bungie is reshaping it specifically for its most hardcore players. Since just after the first raid launched — which takes about 20 hours to 30 hours to get to — players have criticized the online shooter for a lack of worthwhile content. But now the studio is telling fans that it is listening, and it reiterated that some upcoming changes will benefit people who want to return to Destiny 2 every night.
This is important because Destiny 2 is one of the biggest releases in the $100 billion gaming industry. It is the best-selling retail game in the United States so far this year through October, according to industry-tracking firm The NPD Group. But publisher Activision is likely judging its success based more on how well it keeps players returning regularly to spend money on microtransactions. If people are dumping the game, that could have an impact on the Activision’s business.
“Our team has been reading feedback and working on updates to improve the game,” Destiny leads Luke Smith and Chris Barrett wrote in a blog post. “We’ve also been reading some tough criticism about our lack of communication, and we agree we need to be more open.”
That openness is starting now, according to the studio. Today’s blog replaces a livestream the company was planning to run to talk about features in its upcoming expansion. It canceled that promotion in favor of talking directly to fans about how it is addressing their concerns.
“Going forward, Destiny 2’s postlaunch game systems, features, and updates are being designed specifically to focus on and support players who want Destiny to be their hobby,” reads the post. “The game they return to, and a game where friendships are made. We want Destiny to be a game that fits into your life, providing you with reasons to log in and play with your friends, clans, and families. We want Destiny to be a world you want to be a part of.”
To accomplish that goal, Bungie detailed updates that will roll out in December and January. These improvements include a new weapon tier, improved vendor rewards, and armor ornaments that reflect in-game achievements. The developer is also planning to introduce better incentives and rewards for completing prestige activities and heroic strikes.
Bungie goes into depth about the changes in the blog, and you can read all about them here. But today’s blog post is primarily a way for the company to start a conversation with the people who love the game the most. To succeed at that, it will have to follow through on its update promises as well as its dedication to open communication.
“We know it’s frustrating when there isn’t enough of a dialog with the development team,” Smith and Barrett wrote. “You have our commitment that we’re going to do a better job going forward.
