Bungie faces another wave of significant layoffs, raising fresh doubts over Marathon’s future

Bungie is currently facing a tough time, as recent reports reveal another round of significant layoffs. This situation raises new questions about the development timeline for their upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon.

The original Marathon franchise debuted on the Apple Macintosh back in 1994. However, the latest version, which was initially set to launch on September 23, 2025, now encounters uncertainty as Bungie struggles to keep its creative edge under Sony Interactive Entertainment. The ongoing layoffs at Bungie play a crucial role in how this story unfolds.

Since Sony acquired the studio for about $3.6 billion in July 2022, Bungie’s workforce has significantly decreased over the past two years. In July 2024, the studio let go of around 220 employees, which is about 17% of its total staff. The context of these layoffs is essential to understanding the situation. (Source: TechCrunch)

Before these cuts, Bungie had around 1,300 employees. These reductions reflect an increase in oversight from Sony, which began in late 2023 amid reports of missed performance goals and internal struggles. Things are changing quickly for Bungie and its workforce.

Not everyone sees these layoffs as a sign that the project is doomed. Some industry analysts believe that trimming down the studio could actually help speed up production for the multiplayer-focused shooter.

On the flip side, losing valuable talent during critical development stages often results in delays and a loss of vital knowledge, particularly for a complex project like an extraction shooter.

Bungie conducted an alpha playtest in April 2025, but the studio hasn’t provided any updates on the September 2025 release date. This silence hints that the original timeline might have shifted. We’re keeping an eye on developments to see if the game stays on track for its multi-platform release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. (Source: The Verge)

The industry is now on standby for an official update from Bungie about their 2026 roadmap. If the studio can’t stabilize its internal culture, both their live-service projects—including Destiny and the upcoming Marathon—could face even more scrutiny from Sony.

FAQs

Is Marathon still coming to Xbox?

Yes, Bungie has confirmed that Marathon will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

How many people did Bungie lay off in 2024?

Bungie laid off about 220 employees in July 2024, which was around 17% of their workforce at that time.

Why is Sony increasing oversight of Bungie?

Sony reportedly ramped up oversight in late 2023 after Bungie faced internal conflicts and failed to meet certain development and financial targets.

How do the recent Bungie layoffs impact the development timeline of Marathon?

The recent layoffs at Bungie have created considerable uncertainty about the development timeline for Marathon, as fewer staff may result in delays or changes in project priorities.

Will the Bungie layoffs affect the long-term support for Destiny 2?

Yes, the layoffs raise concerns among the community regarding Bungie’s ability to consistently deliver content updates and technical support for Destiny 2 while also working on new titles.