Report: Bungie Faces Harsh Criticism After Layoffs, CEO Pete Parsons Under Fire for Vehicle Purchases
Bungie, the developer behind Destiny 2, announced it will lay off 220 employees, about 17% of its workforce. The decision, described as a “new path” for the studio, has sparked significant backlash.
CEO Pete Parsons cited financial challenges and economic conditions as reasons for the layoffs. However, current and former employees, as well as the wider gaming community, have heavily criticized the move. Dylan Gafner, Bungie’s global community lead, called the layoffs “inexcusable” and pointed out that top talent was being lost.
Inexcusable. Industry leading talent being lost, yet again. Accountability falling upon the workers who have pushed the needle to deliver for our community time and time again.
Please maintain focus on those who’ve lost their position & income. Offer help where you can. https://t.co/SSDveUd5uW
— dmg04 (@A_dmg04) July 31, 2024
Inexcusable. Industry leading talent being lost, yet again. Accountability falling upon the workers who have pushed the needle to deliver for our community time and time again.
Several former employees expressed their discontent on social media. One ex-employee noted that they were promoted just a month before being laid off.
I didn’t even tweet that I got promoted last month, but now I get to tweet that I got laid off, so there’s that. gonna miss my team. https://t.co/4OE6R3dclt
— beau (she/her) (@BeauOckers) July 31, 2024
I didn’t even tweet that I got promoted last month, but now I get to tweet that I got laid off, so there’s that. gonna miss my team.
Another employee mentioned that their entire team was dismissed.
my whole team is gone.
— ☾ Alexandra, alexthegr8r on bsky (@_AlexTheGr8r_) July 31, 2024
my whole team is gone.
Adding to the controversy, Parsons faced criticism for allegedly showing off his expensive car collection shortly before the layoffs. He has reportedly spent around $500,000 on vintage cars since Bungie’s previous round of layoffs in October.
Coward.
You did this. You chose this.
I’m already listed as “do not work with” and I don’t care anymore. You lied to my face. Straight to it. You also invited me to come see your new cars TWO DAYS before you laid me off. Two. Fucking. Days.
Leave. Now. pic.twitter.com/nWVGgWXH8J
— Sam 🖤 (@TheSamBartley) July 31, 2024
You also invited me to come see your new cars TWO DAYS before you laid me off. Two. Fucking. Days.
Social media users have unearthed info that Parsons has spent over $2.2 million on the auction site alone (bikes, cars), with even Parsons’ account tagged (which we’re refraining from sharing here for security purposes).
Pete Parsons has spent 2.4 MILLION DOLLARS on cars, trucks, and bikes on one single auction site since late 2022.
Since the Bungie layoffs in October 2023, he’s spent around $500,000 on vehicles.
SHAME SHAME SHAME pic.twitter.com/d6C7cu8R3D
— cb̾ro (@D2cbro) July 31, 2024
The layoffs came just two months after the release of Destiny 2: The Final Shape. Bungie is also working on a revival of Marathon, which has been delayed to 2025 due to the studio’s internal struggles.
More MP1st Reading:
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- Former Bungie Staff Speaks Out on Destiny 2 The Final Shape DLC: Blames Crunch for Missteps, Criticizes Layoffs Process
- Destiny 2 Cheat Maker Asking for New Trial, Claims Bungie Failed to Provide Evidence They Copied Source Code
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