Bungie's 'Destiny 2' has been on a rollercoaster ride, and it's time to address the game's recent controversial decisions.
The Edge of Fate's Impact
'Destiny 2' has been through a lot since the introduction of 'The Edge of Fate'. This expansion brought about significant changes, some of which were not well-received by the community. Bungie, after seven years of refining game mechanics, seemed to have found a balance with their loot, leveling, and currency systems. But 'The Edge of Fate' disrupted this harmony.
Unstable Cores: A Misstep
One of the most criticized changes was the introduction of Unstable Cores, a temporary currency used for gear infusion. Initially, the idea seemed harmless, but over time, the required amount for infusion skyrocketed, leaving players with an empty wallet after a few experiments. Bungie's recent announcement to completely remove Unstable Cores and replace them with a new system is a step in the right direction, but it raises questions about their initial decision-making process.
The Loophole in Bungie's Design
Bungie's design philosophy for 'Destiny 2' seems to be a closed loop, but their constant tinkering with the game's systems has created a mess. The power grind, currency, and loot systems are interconnected, and when one element is changed, it affects the entire ecosystem. This has led to bizarre situations, like players reaching max level and having nothing to do for months except instantly obtaining Tier 5 gear due to power changes. The Unstable Core issue, though less severe, is another example of Bungie's redesigns gone wrong.
Build Diversity: A Misleading Goal?
Bungie often emphasizes the importance of build diversity, but the game's systems seem to contradict this goal. From power grind to currency, everything is designed to limit diversity and encourage players to grind for new Portal gear. The infusion system, with its ever-changing costs, discourages players from experimenting with their existing gear and forces them to constantly acquire new items.
A Step Towards Redemption?
While Bungie deserves credit for addressing the power grind reset issue, the Unstable Core system should have never seen the light of day. It took months of community backlash for Bungie to realize their mistake, and now they're left with the task of undoing their own mess.
And this is where it gets interesting: Will Bungie learn from their mistakes and create a more stable game environment, or will they continue to make controversial decisions that leave players frustrated?
What are your thoughts on Bungie's recent moves? Do you think they're on the right track, or is it too little, too late? Let's discuss in the comments!