Bungie lays off 220 employees

Bungie, the renowned gaming company behind popular franchises like Halo and Destiny, has announced the layoff of 220 employees, representing a 17% reduction in its workforce. This decision marks the second round of layoffs since the company was acquired by Sony in 2022. Many affected employees expressed shock at the news, with sound designer Tzivi Sherman revealing he learned about the layoffs through a corporate Twitter post, highlighting a sense of uncertainty that has lingered since previous job cuts in October. Former employees have voiced concerns about the company's management, suggesting a disconnect between what leadership communicates and the reality on the ground. Guilhem Lagarde, a product support technician, criticized upper management for being "two-faced," indicating a lack of transparency regarding the company's direction and stability. This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where over 8,800 workers have been laid off in 2024 alone, despite ongoing investor interest. In a press release, Bungie CEO Pete Parsons described the layoffs as a "necessary decision to refocus our studio," emphasizing the need to integrate 155 employees with Sony to mitigate further job losses. Despite the cuts, Parsons reassured that the company still has over 850 team members dedicated to developing its ongoing projects, including Destiny and Marathon. Additionally, Bungie announced it is working on a new game, signaling a commitment to future growth despite recent challenges.