Introduction

As we enter 2025, the gaming world is gearing up for a pivotal year for Destiny 2, which will be the first to unfold entirely outside the extensive Light and Darkness saga that has defined the game for nearly ten years. This year is set to be crucial, not only for Destiny 2 but also for Bungie as a whole, particularly with the impending launch of their new title, Marathon.

The Final Episode and Upcoming Expansions

The dawn of 2025 will introduce the final episode of the year, themed around the Hive and welcoming back the ominous Dreadnaught. Following this, Destiny 2 will transition into the “Frontiers” era, highlighted by two significant expansions: the Apollo expansion in the summer and the Behemoth expansion in winter. Alongside these expansions, players can expect quarterly 'Major Updates' that promise to be more streamlined and devoid of the usual seasonal structures.

Challenges Ahead

However, challenges loom large. Destiny 2 has been experiencing its lowest player counts on Steam since its launch, with console figures likely mirroring this downturn. Despite the addition of new content, the long gaps between 'Acts' have left players feeling disengaged. As we move into the next episode, questions arise about whether the game can attract players back amid the absence of seasonal events. Will we see a resurgence with 70%, 50%, or even 30% of the player base returning for the anticipated Frontiers/Apollo expansions?

Bungie's Resources and Future Outlook

Bungie's workforce has dwindled to around 850 employees, split between Destiny 2 and Marathon. With ongoing resource allocation towards Marathon to ensure its success—critical for Bungie's long-term viability—the scale of upcoming Destiny 2 content is expected to shrink. The pressure mounts as Destiny 2 ranks among Steam's 'Platinum' tier earners, largely due to the success of The Final Shape. However, Bungie’s enormous cash burn and the challenges of maintaining profitability raise concerns about the future viability of Destiny 2.

Speculation on the Franchise's Future

There’s speculation that if Destiny 2 fails to perform this year, Bungie might consider putting the franchise on hold while channeling efforts into Marathon and other projects, potentially sidelining Destiny 2 to maintenance mode. A long-term strategy might see a sequel emerge in five years, which fans have echoed as an ideal approach to revitalize the game, but that initiative needs to begin now.

Conclusion

As we face a new console generation, the gameplay experience of Destiny 2 risks becoming outdated if it continues producing only Frontiers-level content without a roadmap toward an eventual sequel. The potential for success in the Frontiers era remains, but red flags overshadow the excitement as we head into 2025. The gaming community will be watching closely, as this year can define the future of not just Destiny 2 but also Bungie’s standing in the industry. Will they rise from the ashes or fade away? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for updates, and let’s hope for a thrilling year ahead!