Development Issues that Plagued Bungie
Technical Challenges
Bungie faced a lot of technical issues during the development of Destiny 2. One major problem was the game engine that they used. Bungie used a modified version of the original Destiny’s engine, which made it hard for them to create new content and effectively optimize the game’s performance. They had to start over from scratch and come up with a new engine to allow for easier creation of new content. This decision to create a new engine created a significant delay in the release of the game.
Development Team Restructuring
Another challenge that Bungie faced was the restructuring of its development team. The team that worked on the development of the first Destiny game was no longer complete, some have left the company while others moved to different teams and projects. This caused Bungie to hire new developers and train them, creating more time delay. They also had to make sure that the new team could work cohesively with the remaining members of the original team.
Story and Content Changes
During the development of Destiny 2, Bungie went through several changes in their plans for the game’s story and content, making it hard to build the game efficiently. They had to scrap some ideas and recreate new ones as well as add other features as they went along. These changes took more time than they anticipated, contributing to the game’s delay. They also had to deal with feedback and criticisms from the first game, which led to significant revisions in the gameplay and mechanics of Destiny 2, further delaying the game’s release.
Challenges in Creating a Seamless Multiplayer Experience
Technical Limitations
Creating a multiplayer experience that is seamless and lag-free is easier said than done. The more players there are, the more data that needs to be transmitted between them, which puts a strain on servers and internet connections. In addition, the complexity of the game itself contributes to the challenge – Destiny 2 is a highly detailed and graphically intensive game, which requires a lot of processing power and bandwidth.
Balancing Variety and Accessibility
Another challenge in creating a seamless multiplayer experience is balancing variety with accessibility. This means providing players with enough options for customization and gameplay that the game doesn’t become stale, while also making sure that each option is accessible and balanced in terms of gameplay. This can be a delicate balancing act, as adding new features or content to the game can sometimes have unintended consequences that affect the balance of the entire game.
Managing Expectations
Finally, managing player expectations is a challenge that cannot be overlooked. Players expect a seamless, bug-free experience, and any hiccups or errors in gameplay can lead to frustration and disappointment. Developers must anticipate all possible issues and plan accordingly to prevent them from happening. Additionally, communication with players is key – if players understand what to expect and when, they will be more forgiving of any issues that arise.
Design Changes and Improvements for Better Gameplay
Introducing New Game Mechanics
One of the reasons why Destiny 2 was delayed was to introduce new game mechanics that would make the gameplay more exciting and engaging. Bungie wanted to ensure that players had a unique experience while playing Destiny 2, and this required extensive testing and experimentation. Some of the new game mechanics that were introduced include new weapon classes, new abilities, and improved movement mechanics. These changes were made to increase the game’s depth and provide players with more options for customization.
Balancing Gameplay Elements
Another reason why Destiny 2 was delayed was to balance gameplay elements. In the original Destiny, some weapons and abilities were overpowered, which led to an unbalanced gameplay experience. Bungie wanted to prevent this from happening in Destiny 2, and so they took the time to fine-tune all aspects of the game. This included making adjustments to weapon damage, ammo counts, and ability cooldowns. These changes were made to ensure that every weapon and ability was useful and that players could find success with a variety of playstyles.
Enhancing Graphics and Sound
Bungie also took the opportunity to enhance the graphics and sound in Destiny 2. The game looks and sounds stunning, with improved lighting effects, textures, and character animations. The sound design has also been improved, with each weapon having its unique sound, making combat more immersive and thrilling. The enhancements to both graphics and sound were made to improve the overall gaming experience and make the game more visually appealing.
Marketing Strategies and Release Timing
Marketing Strategies
Destiny 2 was one of the most anticipated games of 2017, and Bungie knew it. The studio had to make sure they marketed it well and reached as many players as possible. Bungie announced the game on March 30, 2017, with a cinematic trailer that featured Cayde-6, the fan-favorite character voiced by Nathan Fillion. This announcement coincided with the game’s logo being revealed on Twitter.
Bungie also partnered with Activision, the game’s publisher, to market the game on various platforms such as social media, gaming events, and through pre-order bonuses. The company even launched a public beta where players could test out the game before its release. Bungie also released a live-action trailer for Destiny 2 called “New Legends Will Rise,” which premiered during the 2017 NFL kickoff game.
Release Timing
Bungie planned to release Destiny 2 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 6, 2017. The game was later released for Microsoft Windows on October 24, 2017. However, the game was delayed several times before its final release date.
One of the reasons behind the delay was to give Bungie more time to polish the game and ensure that it met players’ expectations. The studio wanted to improve on the original game’s flaws and add more content to make the game more engaging.
Another reason was to avoid clashing with other big game releases such as Call of Duty: WWII, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, and Assassin’s Creed Origins. By delaying the release to September, Bungie was able to avoid competition from these titles.
Post-Release Timing
After the game’s release, Bungie continued to support Destiny 2 with numerous updates, expansions, and events. The game’s first expansion, Curse of Osiris, was released on December 5, 2017, followed by Warmind on May 8, 2018. Bungie also released the Forsaken expansion on September 4, 2018, which added new story missions, multiplayer modes, weapons, and armor.
Bungie’s support for the game continued even after they parted ways with Activision in 2019. The studio continued to add new content and updates, including the release of the Shadowkeep expansion in October 2019, and the Beyond Light expansion in November 2020.
Competition and Industry Trends Impacting the Delay
Competition in the Market
One of the biggest factors impacting the delay of Destiny 2 is the competition in the market. With games like Overwatch and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds taking the gaming world by storm, Bungie had to take a step back and reassess their approach to the game. They wanted to make sure that Destiny 2 would not only compete with these games but surpass them in terms of gameplay, graphics, and overall experience. This meant that they had to dedicate more time and resources to the development process, which ultimately led to the delayed release.
Shifting Industry Trends
Industry trends have also played a significant role in the delay of Destiny 2. As the gaming industry evolves, developers are under increasing pressure to cater to the changing needs and preferences of gamers. This includes everything from new gaming platforms and technologies to emerging game genres and play styles. Bungie had to consider all of these factors when developing Destiny 2, making sure that the game was not only on par with current industry standards, but also future-proofed for years to come.
Overhauling the Game Engine
Bungie also made the decision to overhaul the game engine for Destiny 2. This was a significant undertaking that required a lot of time and effort from the development team. The new engine allows for more complex game mechanics, enhanced graphics, and overall better performance. However, this also meant that the development process took longer than initially anticipated. Nonetheless, the overhaul was necessary to ensure that Destiny 2 was a worthy successor to the original game and could live up to fans’ expectations.
