☕Bungie is No Longer an Independent Studio
BREAKING: Witch Queen News
The Destiny Marketing Machine has started.
Sony purchases Bungie
New Witch Queen teasers
Just 3 years after Bungie broke away from being owned by Activision, they’ve been purchased again. No one saw Sony’s announcement yesterday coming.
But what does this mean for Destiny’s future?
Today, Bungie posted a new teaser trailer showing more on crafting in The Witch Queen and new exotic weapons and armor.
The Future of Destiny
Sony spent $3.6 BILLION to acquire Bungie. If you played Destiny 1 or remember vanilla Destiny 2 like I did, you’re immediately concerned.
Bungie was owned by Activision and there was content and items that were exclusive to PlayStation consoles. With Sony, will the past repeat itself?
Bungie answered some questions in a short FAQ.
Cross Play will not change
Cross Save will not change
The Destiny experience will not change on any platform
Future Bungie games will not be PlayStation exclusive
The Witch Queen will not contain PlayStation exclusives
Everything sounds great. But that last part is where there’s still room for some concern.
By specifically saying The Witch Queen (TWQ) will not contain exclusives, the door is still left open for future exclusives after TWQ.
Many will say there’s nothing to be concerned about. Most of the content that was exclusive to PlayStation wasn’t great. Of course, that’s subjective to the individual, but I hope we won’t see any exclusivity.
I’m trying to remain optimistic, but also realistic. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see exclusive content in the future.
Why Sony and Not Microsoft?
After sleeping on this news, I’ve come around more on why Sony was the best fit.
Sony is one of a few companies in the world that understands the gaming medium and also has the resources for film and TV.
The Uncharted movie releasing this month had a budget of $120 MILLION. Bungie just announced 1,000,000 Witch Queen preorders. At $40 per preorder, Bungie only raised $40 MILLION.
Of course, they’re making millions from The Eververse, but the point still stands - its incredibly expensive for the Destiny-universe shows and movies we want to see.
Sony has both the experience in gaming and has the resources Bungie needs. In exchange, Sony gets passive income from Destiny’s success and Bungie’s knowledge developing live-service games - the opposite of the narrative, single-player games Sony has done so well with.
The Witch Queen Teaser
Crafting
Savathun’s ship on Mars is expected to be a social space-type location where our crafting will get done.
It looks like you may also be able to test out weapons here too like a firing range. Think something similar to the Tribute Hall in Destiny 2 (before it was vaulted).
Crafting will let you select the perks and masterwork on your weapon.
Exotic Slug Launcher
Grand Overture looks like it’ll be a heavy weapon. It shoots a charged shot that releases slug missiles. This reminds me of both Xenophage and The Wardcliff Coil.
Exotic Grenade Launcher
Parasite launches Hive worms that explode. This looks like it’ll be a special weapon, but its not clear if it’ll be in the Kinetic or Energy slot.
Its perk says that it deals “increasing damage”, so it’s possible that this could be a powerful PvE option.
Exotic SMG
Osteo Striga’s exotic perk is “swarming projectiles that trigger a toxic burst”. This sounds a lot like Nectrotic Grips and Thorn.
I expect this could be very powerful in the Crucible.
Titan Exotic Glaive
Edge of Action is the Titan’s unique glaive shoots a protective shield. It looks like a mini Ward of Dawn shield you can place for an ally.
Warlock Exotic Glaive
Edge of Intent is the Warlock’s unique glaive. You deploy a turret that heals allies, similar to the Stasis turret that freezes enemies.
Hunter Exotic Glaive
Edge of Concurrence has a chain lightning that tracks to multiple enemies. As usual, Hunters are really missing some more team support options.
Titan Exotic Chest
Instead of placing a barrier, you create a Stasis wall that can be shattered. Hopefully this is better than Icefall Mantles that came with Beyond Light.
Warlock Exotic Gloves
It looks like the Coldsnap grenade will gain an additional trail or maybe even give you a second grenade. The Coldsnap’s seeking is also enhanced.
Hunter Exotic Helmet
Reflected projectiles from Mid-Tree Arc staff deal increased damage. This definitely feels like the worst out of the 3.
And when combined with the more lackluster Glaive, its hard not to be disappointed that Hunter isn’t getting some better PvE options. An area its sorely needed help with for a long time.
I’m curious. Are you excited for The Witch Queen yet?
I’ll admit, the teasers help, but there hasn’t been a pinnacle piece that’s selling me like Stasis with Beyond Light.
The Bungie Marketing Machine has only begun! I’m looking for that thing that shows The Witch Queen is pushing new limits rather than just adding more of the same.
I’ll see you Friday for the Thursday TWAB tear-down where they go over weapons.
~☕Legionless