Cheating Surge in Destiny 2: The Aftermath of Bungie's Staff Layoffs

Surge in Cheaters Due to Security Team Reduction

'Destiny 2', the popular game developed by Bungie, is facing a significant increase in cheating incidents following the company's recent layoffs. In late October, Bungie reduced its workforce substantially, affecting various departments, including the Player Security team. This team, crucial for monitoring and addressing in-game cheating, was heavily impacted, leading to a noticeable surge in cheating within 'Destiny 2'. Players and streamers have reported a marked increase in cheating, particularly during the Trials of Osiris event, with some even describing the competitive PvP modes as unplayable due to the rampant cheating.

Impact on PvP Content and Future Concerns

The layoffs not only affected the Player Security team but also extended to other departments, including the new PvP strike team. Several content testers from this team were let go, raising concerns about the future quality and integrity of PvP content. The reductions come at a critical time when Bungie had been making strides in improving PvP support. With the upcoming release of Marathon, another competitive PvP game, there are growing concerns about how the reduced security measures will handle potential cheating issues, which are common in the competitive gaming scene.

Long-term Effects and Employee Voices

The ramifications of the layoffs extend beyond the immediate surge in cheating. Former employees have started speaking out about the circumstances surrounding the layoffs, providing insights into the challenges 'Destiny 2' is now facing. With a reduced team, it appears that Bungie will struggle to regain control over the cheating issues in the near future. This situation threatens the viability of 'Destiny 2's most competitive PvP modes, with concerns that these modes might become untenable if the cheating problem is not addressed effectively and swiftly. The situation underscores the importance of dedicated security teams in maintaining the integrity of online gaming experiences.