Sony may be preparing another massive round of layoffs at Bungie this summer, according to a new rumor shared by French journalist Sylvain Trinel. The claim suggests that as much as 50% of Bungieโs workforce could be affected, including both permanent employees and contract staff.
As of writing, this remains unconfirmed. Neither Sony nor Bungie has officially announced a new round of layoffs at that scale. Still, the report has quickly spread across the gaming community because it follows months of uncertainty around Bungie, Destiny 2, and Marathon.
Sony Bungie Layoff Rumor Claims 50% Staff Reduction
The latest rumor claims that Sony is reportedly preparing to lay off half of Bungieโs staff this summer. Trinel said he was being careful with the information, but claimed he had heard that at least 50% of the workforce could be affected.
It is a report based on what Trinel says he has heard, rather than an official announcement from Sony or Bungie.
Even so, the number is massive. If accurate, it would mark one of the most severe restructurings in Bungieโs modern history and would raise even more questions about the studioโs future inside PlayStation.
Bungie Is Under Pressure Right Now
Bungie has been under heavy scrutiny since Sony acquired the studio. The deal was originally seen as a major live service investment for PlayStation, especially because of Bungieโs long history with Destiny and its expertise in online game development.
However, the studio has faced repeated turbulence in recent years. Bungie already went through major layoffs in 2024, cutting 220 roles while also moving additional employees into Sony Interactive Entertainment. That restructuring came after the company admitted it had grown too quickly and spread itself too thin across multiple projects.
The current rumor arrives at an especially difficult time. Destiny 2 is winding down active development, while Marathon has become Bungieโs main new bet. That shift has not been easy for the studio or its community, especially with many Destiny fans still frustrated over the franchiseโs future.
Marathon and Destiny 2 Are at the Center of the Conversation
A big reason this rumor is getting attention is that it connects directly to Bungieโs current direction. Destiny 2 has been the studioโs core game for years, but its active content future has changed dramatically. Meanwhile, Marathon is now carrying a lot of pressure as Bungieโs next major live service project.
Destiny players want clarity on the franchiseโs future, while Marathon needs to prove it can stand on its own. If Bungie is also facing a major staff reduction, that could affect development priorities, support plans, and the studioโs ability to build momentum around its next projects.
Sony and Bungie Have Not Confirmed the Report
At the time of writing, Sony and Bungie have not confirmed that 50% of Bungieโs staff will be laid off. That makes caution necessary.
Gaming layoffs are often reported before companies make public announcements, but the exact numbers can change. Some rumors may also include contract roles, support teams, or employees being moved into other divisions, which can make the final picture more complicated than a single percentage.
Bungieโs Future Looks More Uncertain Than Ever
If the rumor proves accurate, Bungie could be heading into one of the most important summers in its history. A 50% staff reduction would reshape the studio at a fundamental level and could have long-term effects on Destiny, Marathon, and any future projects.
What is clear is that Bungie remains in a fragile position. With Destiny 2 winding down, Marathon under pressure, and another major layoff rumor now circulating, the studioโs future under Sony is once again one of the biggest stories in gaming.
