A Turbulent Journey
Since its launch in 2017, Destiny 2 has experienced quite a rollercoaster ride. The game’s history is marked by significant highs and painful lows, creating a rather tumultuous relationship with its playerbase. However, there comes a time when even the most seasoned guardians face a player retention crisis, and late 2022 was one such period.
Understanding Player Sentiment
At the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Bungie’s principal designer, Alan Blaine, shed light on these dire times. As he explained to the crowd, “Starting in September 2022 and continuing through November, our weekly active users dropped lower and faster than we’ve seen since 2018.” This downturn in player engagement wasn’t just a mere statistic; it echoed through the player community, leading to a notable decline in those recommending the game to newcomers.
The Call for Action
In response to the dwindling interest, Bungie initiated a player retention team—a specialized group of developers, including Blaine, dedicated to identifying and swiftly addressing player pain points. This move was crucial in creating a more player-oriented environment, especially after the criticisms surrounding the seasonal model. Although their talk primarily focused on structuring such a team, it serves as a reminder that understanding player sentiment is essential in revitalizing a community.
