Xur is available in Bungie’s Destiny 2, but unfortunately isn’t selling Gjallarhorn or any other crazy Exotic. He’s in the European Dead Zone on Earth and carries Coldheart, an Exotic Arc trace rifle for 29 Legendary Shards.
06.12.2023 - 22:07 / eurogamer.net / Don Macgowan
Employees at Destiny 2 developer Bungie have said they feel anxious about their current status at the company, following layoffs earlier this year.
As you may recall, layoffs were first reported at the developer in October. At this time, studio CEO Pete Parsons publicly commented on the cuts, calling it «a sad day». Around 100 employees were said to be affected.
Now, in a new report by IGN, many remaining at the company have said the studio is implementing a variety of other cost-cutting measures across the board, in order to remain an independent subsidiary within Sony (which acquired the developer in 2022). There is concern among staff that Bungie may lose its independence within Sony should Destiny 2 fail to meet financial goals.
Along with the aforementioned layoffs, Bungie has also reportedly initiated a hiring freeze, reduced travel budgets for its employees, delayed various get togethers such as its «Pentathlon» until this time next year and kept its annual Bungie Day event as virtual only. Other events aimed at boosting morale have also reportedly seen their occurrence reduced. Cooking and knitting classes now reportedly happen every quarter, rather than each month.
In addition, the Marathon developer is said to be making adjustments across a variety of its current employee benefits, such as its new hire lunch program and more. This has left morale within Bungie low, sources told IGN, with one stating the mood right now is «soul-crushing». But despite this mood, those still at the company said management is not doing anything to try and address this overall feeling.
IGN stated those employees that expressed sadness following October's layoffs were «met with a surprising amount of indifference or even outright flippancy or hostility» from those higher up. Meanwhile, it was suggested to staff that further layoffs were not out of the question.
Two sources told the publication that chief people officer Holly Barbacovi outright stated layoffs were a «lever», and one which Bungie would be able to pull on again. Others explained they were told not to discuss layoffs further, and during a post-layoff Q&A at the company, the notion of leadership taking a salary cut to prevent future cuts was rebuffed. Bungie is «not that type of company» came the reply.
«We know we need [Destiny 2 expansion] Final Shape to do well,» one source said. «And the feeling at the studio is that if it doesn't we're definitely looking at more layoffs.»
IGN's sources stated many of those laid off earlier this year were community leaders, with the likes of Bungie general counsel Don McGowan being affected by the cuts. A large number of those made redundant were also part of Bungie's DE&I clubs, which aim to ensure an
Xur is available in Bungie’s Destiny 2, but unfortunately isn’t selling Gjallarhorn or any other crazy Exotic. He’s in the European Dead Zone on Earth and carries Coldheart, an Exotic Arc trace rifle for 29 Legendary Shards.
Over the past few years, humanity has become very technologically dependent, heavily reliant on devices for professional and personal purposes. Now, technologies such as Artificial intelligence and machine learning are even deciding the way we function by bringing in various advances, changing even national cultures globally. While most of these changes are positive, there are some people who are misusing these technologies to manipulate and scam people. One such growing concern that has emerged in recent times is in the form of “Deepfakes” - photos, videos, audio and more. We have seen several cases of fake videos and images of famous celebrities being manipulated to show them in poor light or send the wrong message.
Guardians are used to getting lumps of coal instead of presents from Xur, but it appears the Agent of the Nine is in good spirits. Xur is selling the coveted Calus Mini Tool this week in Destiny 2. If you don’t know why that’s a good thing, let me explain why.
A lot of the controllers I've reviewed this year have been super expensive. Don't get me wrong, most of them have been great, but price tags higher than $200 aren't what most players will want to see. Luckily, one brand has stood above the pack in terms of offering value for money in 2023.
PlayStation maker Sony is set to take full control of Destiny maker Bungie if the developer misses its financial targets.
Destiny 2 developer Bungie are staring down the barrel of a full Sony takeover if forthcoming expansion The Final Shape doesn’t meet sales expectations, according to several anonymous current and former employees. The same sources also claim that the studio are prepared to cut staff again to meet their financial obligations as a Sony subsidiary, having laid off a significant proportion of their workforce in November.
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