Destiny Rising: The Latest Rumored Mobile Game in the Franchise

The Destiny franchise has been no stranger to speculation and rumors, especially when it comes to expanding its reach into new gaming platforms. The latest buzz suggests that a mobile game titled “Destiny Rising” is currently in development, despite ongoing challenges within the Destiny 2 community and the broader Bungie studio. According to insider Kuraksis, this new project, which involves collaborations between Bungie, Tencent, and now, Sony, is reportedly still in progress.

For years, the idea of a Destiny mobile game has been a recurring topic of discussion. With Destiny 2 grappling to maintain its player base, the notion of a mobile adaptation seems to have resurfaced with renewed vigor. This mobile project, rumored to be a collaboration between Bungie and Tencent—and by extension, Sony—has been a subject of intrigue and skepticism. Kuraksis, a known leaker within the gaming industry, claims that despite a series of high-profile cancellations and significant layoffs at Bungie, “Destiny Rising” is still on the table.

The idea of a Destiny mobile game is not entirely new. The franchise’s move towards mobile platforms has been hinted at for some time, with various reports suggesting that Bungie has been exploring this avenue for years. Earlier reports indicated that Bungie had plans to divide the Destiny franchise into several components: the main game, a PvP spin-off, a mobile entry, and an adventure game titled “Payback.” However, “Payback” was eventually scrapped, contributing to the departure of key figures like Mark Noseworthy and Luke Smith during a recent round of layoffs.

Despite these setbacks, it was never entirely clear if the mobile game component was also canceled. The latest rumor from Kuraksis suggests that it was not, though concrete details are still lacking. There is no definitive information on whether “Destiny Rising” will see the light of day or if it will encounter the same fate as other abandoned projects. As of now, there is no clear answer, but the speculation continues to stir interest within the gaming community.

The timing of this rumor is particularly noteworthy. With Destiny 2 experiencing a decline in player numbers and overall morale, the development of a mobile game might seem counterintuitive. Players have expressed considerable skepticism about the value and viability of a mobile entry in the Destiny franchise. The mobile game market is often criticized for its monetization strategies, which can include aggressive in-game purchases and advertisements. This raises concerns about whether a mobile version of Destiny would merely be a cash grab rather than a meaningful extension of the franchise.

Furthermore, Bungie is currently facing significant internal challenges. The studio has recently undergone over 200 layoffs, and its ongoing commitment to Destiny 2 remains substantial. Additionally, Bungie is working on the anticipated release of “Marathon” next year and has recently launched the Gummi Bears project, which has involved shifting team members to a new Sony studio. With so many projects and a strained workforce, it raises the question of whether Bungie can realistically allocate resources to develop a mobile game. It’s possible that the mobile project could be managed by NetEase, which has experience in crafting mobile adaptations of major franchises.

NetEase, known for its development of “Diablo Immortal,” a mobile entry in the popular Diablo series, might play a significant role in “Destiny Rising.” While “Diablo Immortal” faced criticism upon release, it has managed to remain active, generating revenue and content updates for Blizzard. This precedent suggests that a mobile Destiny game, if handled similarly, could potentially find a niche audience and contribute to the franchise’s overall revenue stream. However, whether “Destiny Rising” can replicate this success remains to be seen.

In conclusion, the rumored “Destiny Rising” mobile game adds another layer to the ongoing saga of Destiny’s expansion efforts. The franchise’s past attempts to branch into mobile platforms have been met with varying degrees of success and skepticism. With Bungie’s recent challenges and the gaming community’s mixed reactions, it remains uncertain if this latest rumor will result in a tangible product. As with many industry rumors, time will reveal whether “Destiny Rising” will become a reality or simply another chapter in the ever-evolving narrative of Destiny. For now, the gaming world will watch closely, waiting for any official confirmation or denial of this latest development.