Bungie ends major Destiny 2 updates, shifts focus to new projects
Bungie announced the final major update for Destiny 2 will arrive on June 9th, after which the studio will shift its focus to new projects. The game will remain playable, with changes aimed at making it more welcoming for returning players.
Bungie is moving on from Destiny 2. The studio announced Thursday that it will release the last major update for the game on June 9th, as its focus "turns towards a new beginning for Bungie." After that final update, the game will remain playable, much like the first Destiny.
"Many changes in this final update will aim to ensure that Destiny 2 is a welcoming place for players to return to," Bungie said in a statement. The announcement post contains extensive details about what will be added in this final update, and Bungie plans to share more information about the changes leading up to and shortly after launch.
Following the final update, Bungie's weekly blog entries will "be entering a form of maintenance mode," the studio indicated. The company did not specify what new projects it will pursue, but the shift marks a significant transition for the developer that has been synonymous with the Destiny franchise for nearly a decade.
Destiny 2 launched in 2017 and has received multiple expansions, including Forsaken, Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and Lightfall. The game's final major update will include quality-of-life improvements and adjustments to make the experience more accessible for players who may have stepped away.
Bungie emphasized that Destiny 2 will continue to be playable after the June 9th update, with servers remaining online. The studio compared the situation to the original Destiny, which also remained active after Bungie stopped releasing major content updates.
The announcement comes amid a period of restructuring at Bungie. The studio laid off a significant number of employees in 2023 and has been working on multiple new projects, including a new intellectual property and a game based on Sony's Marathon franchise.
Bungie did not provide a timeline for when its new projects might be revealed or released. The final Destiny 2 update on June 9th will mark the end of an era for the franchise, but the game itself will persist as a playable experience for its dedicated community.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book reimagines platforming as exploration
Nintendo's new Yoshi game reframes the classic side-scrolling platformer by focusing on exploration rather than competition. The game takes place inside a storybook, giving it a laid-back and playful feel.
Nintendo has released a new Yoshi game that shifts the focus of platforming from competition to exploration. In most platformers, players fight against the world to beat levels, nail jumps, or defeat bosses. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, however, reframes the goal to encourage exploration instead of competition. The game reimagines the classic side-scrolling platformer as something refreshingly new: laid-back, playful, and bursting with ideas.
The new Yoshi game looks like a storybook because it takes place inside one. Early on, players meet a character who introduces the storybook setting. The game uses familiar gameplay mechanics such as jumping, climbing, and eating, but the emphasis is on exploring the world rather than overcoming obstacles. This approach gives the game a unique feel compared to other platformers.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is available now for the Nintendo Switch. The game has received positive reviews for its innovative approach to the platforming genre. Critics have praised its charming art style and relaxing gameplay. The game is suitable for players of all ages, offering a more casual experience than traditional platformers.
Nintendo continues to find new ways to reinvent platformers with titles like Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. The game demonstrates that the genre can evolve beyond its competitive roots. By focusing on exploration and playfulness, Nintendo has created a platformer that feels fresh and inviting.
The game's storybook aesthetic is achieved through a unique art style that mimics hand-drawn illustrations. The levels are designed to look like pages from a book, with interactive elements that enhance the storybook theme. This visual approach sets Yoshi and the Mysterious Book apart from other games in the series.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is priced at $59.99 and is available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop and at retail stores. The game supports single-player and local co-op modes, allowing two players to explore the storybook world together. Nintendo has not announced any plans for downloadable content or updates at this time.
Players who enjoy relaxing games with charming visuals and innovative gameplay will find Yoshi and the Mysterious Book appealing. The game offers a departure from the high-stakes action of many modern platformers. Its focus on exploration and creativity makes it a standout title in Nintendo's lineup.
Nintendo has not disclosed sales figures for Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, but the game has been well-received by critics and fans alike. The game's release adds to Nintendo's strong portfolio of Switch titles. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is available now for the Nintendo Switch.
Sony reportedly halts PC releases for major single-player PlayStation games
Sony has informed employees that it will no longer release major single-player PlayStation games on PC, reversing a multi-year strategy. Online games will still launch on multiple platforms.
Sony has reportedly decided to stop releasing its major single-player PlayStation games on PC, according to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier. Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation's studios business, communicated the change in strategy to employees during a town hall meeting on Monday. Schreier had previously reported in March that Sony had scrapped plans to bring last year's Ghost of Yōtei and other internally developed titles to PC. The shift marks a reversal from Sony's recent approach of porting its biggest games to PC, including Spider-Man 2. Online games will continue to be released on multiple platforms under this new strategy, Schreier noted. The decision comes as Sony reassesses its approach to PC releases after several high-profile ports. The company had previously found success with PC versions of games like Horizon Zero Dawn and God of War. However, the financial returns from these ports may not have met expectations, leading to the strategic pivot. Sony has not officially commented on the report. The change is expected to affect future single-player titles from PlayStation Studios, keeping them exclusive to the PlayStation platform. This move could strengthen Sony's console ecosystem but may disappoint PC gamers who have enjoyed recent PlayStation releases. The town hall meeting suggests the decision is final and will be implemented going forward. Sony's focus on online games for multi-platform release indicates a continued interest in the PC market for live-service titles. The company has invested heavily in live-service games, such as the upcoming Helldivers 2, which launched simultaneously on PC and PlayStation 5. The strategy shift underscores Sony's commitment to leveraging its exclusive single-player franchises to drive console sales. The full impact of this decision on Sony's PC business remains to be seen, but it represents a significant change in direction for the company.