Bungie’s decision to cancel marketing for Marathon hasn’t been officially explained, but speculation is already spreading. Some assume the game is delayed. Others are convinced it’s been quietly cancelled.
But this reaction feels premature.
If the promotional materials included stolen art, pulling the campaign is the most responsible move. Bungie can’t afford another public scandal. Removing the assets until they’re certain everything is original isn’t just smart PR. It’s basic damage control.
That doesn’t mean Marathon is safe. If the September launch date hasn’t changed, there’s simply not enough time to overhaul both the art and fix the issues players have with the game. Too many people did not enjoy playing the alpha. If the game does release on schedule, it may be setting itself up to fail.
The Bigger Problem: Bungie’s Leadership Crisis
The real issue isn’t Marathon. It’s Bungie’s entire structure.
Following its $3.6 billion acquisition, Sony has every reason to reassess what Bungie is worth and whether current leadership is capable of fixing things. At this point, Sony has three real options:
- Fold Bungie into Sony entirely, replacing its independent leadership.
- Keep Bungie’s structure but clean house at the top.
- Shut it down and cut their losses.
All three scenarios share one thing in common: Pete Parsons, Bungie’s CEO, is out. The man has overseen multiple failures and still remains in charge. At what point does that stop making sense?
Bungie Overpromised And Sony Overpaid
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Bungie misrepresented itself before the acquisition. Multiple reports from former employees suggest that Bungie was facing financial turmoil long before the deal closed. The company sold Sony a future it couldn’t deliver.
Since the acquisition, things have only gotten worse: scandals, layoffs, failed revenue targets, and internal shakeups. Sony’s own financial filings revealed that much of Bungie’s “value” was intangible, based on goodwill and projections, not actual revenue. That’s a red flag, not a foundation.
Should Destiny 3 Even Happen?
This leads us to a question the Destiny community can’t agree on: Should Bungie move on from Destiny 2 and launch Destiny 3 or keep fixing what they have?
The Case for a Clean Slate
Some players believe Destiny 2 is beyond saving. The game’s technical debt and outdated systems have been patched so many times that progress feels like a bandage, not a fix. A sequel could bring:
- A modern engine
- Streamlined systems
- Better onboarding for new players
- A chance to shake off years of recycled content
For these players, Destiny 3 isn’t just a new title. It’s a lifeline.
The Case for Staying the Course
Not everyone wants a reboot. A large part of the community remembers how painful the jump from Destiny 1 to Destiny 2 was. Years of progress were wiped away. Players were left with a shell of the game they loved.
This time, many want Bungie to:
- Preserve their existing collections and achievements
- Focus resources on improving Destiny 2
- Avoid splitting the community again
- Reduce financial risk in a volatile market
There’s also skepticism that Destiny 3 would fix anything. If Bungie’s leadership remains the same, what guarantees do players have that the same mistakes won’t just repeat?
No Sequel Can Fix a Studio That Won’t Change
Bungie’s real crisis isn’t whether Destiny 2 continues or Marathon releases. It’s whether the studio can be trusted to deliver anything at all under current leadership.
The calls for Destiny 3 are understandable. But a sequel is just a tool. It can only succeed if the team behind it has a clear vision, stable leadership, and the ability to execute. Right now, Bungie lacks all three.
Until that changes, Destiny’s future, sequel or not, remains in doubt.
