Bungie is laying off 292 employees, representing approximately half of its total workforce, according to a WARN notice filed with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed the restructuring affects the Destiny and Marathon development teams following the conclusion of major Destiny 2 content updates.
Why is Bungie cutting staff?
Bungie is restructuring its workforce because its flagship title, Destiny, has not met expectations. In a statement posted to X, the studio noted that because future projects remain in early development, they cannot maintain their previous scale of operations.
Hermen Hulst, confirmed the decision in an internal email made public on June 25, 2026. Hulst stated the move followed months of internal reviews regarding the studio’s long-term direction, resource requirements, and its role within Sony’s broader portfolio strategy.
The impact on Destiny and Marathon
The layoffs specifically target the Destiny development team and certain members of the Marathon team. This shift comes immediately after the June 9, 2026, launch of Monument of Triumph, which served as the final major live-service update for Destiny 2.
Industry analysts suggest this marks a significant transition for the studio. After eight years of live-service updates, Bungie is moving away from the massive content cycles that defined its recent history.
How many employees are losing their jobs?
A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed by Bungie with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries states that 292 positions are being eliminated. KOMO News reported that these layoffs are scheduled to begin no later than July 9.
While the WARN notice provides a specific number, internal reports suggest the impact is broader. Industry sources indicate the cuts will reduce Bungie’s total headcount by roughly half. Sony is currently providing transition support to help affected staff move to other studios within the company.
Who is replacing Justin Truman?
Justin Truman is expected to depart the company less than a year after taking the position in August. According to internal reports, Poria Torkan will step in to lead the studio. Torkan previously served as Bungie’s Vice President of Operations.
This leadership change coincides with the studio’s effort to realign its development priorities. The transition from Truman to Torkan marks a new chapter for Bungie as it attempts to stabilize its workforce and prepare for upcoming projects.
What is the timeline for these changes?
The timeline for Bungie’s reorganization is moving rapidly. The sequence of events follows a specific pattern:
- June 9, 2026: Launch of Monument of Triumph, the final major Destiny 2 update.
- June 25, 2026: Hermen Hulst’s internal memo regarding restructuring is made public.
- July 9, 2026: The deadline for the commencement of layoffs as per the WARN notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Destiny 2 being shut down?
No. The studio has finished major content updates with the release of Monument of Triumph, but the game remains active.
Which games are affected by the layoffs?
The layoffs impact developers working on both Destiny and Marathon.
Why did Sony restructure Bungie?
According to Hermen Hulst, the decision followed a review of the studio’s long-term direction and resource needs within Sony’s portfolio.
What do you think about the future of Bungie? Will the studio recover its former strength? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more industry updates.
