What a bummer. (Destiny)

by Kermit , Raleigh, NC, Thursday, June 01, 2017, 16:44 (2822 days ago) @ cheapLEY

Except Marty straight up tried to convince the seemingly only person at Bungie that was really passionate about Halo to quit working on Halo with what amounts to "fuck those guys."

I'm sure it's more nuanced than that, but it was presented in way that really bums me out. They seem so fucking bitter about making the series of games that put them on the map, and that sucks.

So they owe Halo deference like they owe the Xbox deference I guess. I'm sure if I look I can find a post that says that they should've made Myth III. After all, that game put them on the map. And the Bungie/MS friction is famous at this point. I'm sure it went both ways. That part of this article is not new. Regardless, I see introspection in this article, from all sides. Marty was a true believer in Bungie, so he said what a true believer in Bungie would say to a valuable asset about to leave. "Dude! We're awesome!"

I find your spin a bit negative, and I won't tell you how to feel, but this article didn’t depress me. I will say that hearing some of these stories (originally—a few years ago) did disturb me and cause me to update the Platonic ideal of Bungie I held in my imagination, but at the end of the day I was glad to know, not just because I like knowing the truth (or something closer to it), but knowing reminded me of what I had tended to forget—especially when I indulged in Bungie hagiography--namely, that the who work at Bungie are just like you and me. I hope that this has made me a better (or more balanced) fan. Mig has described the relationship once as like a friend making this cool thing they like, and you like it, too. So far, when it comes to Bungie games, I like them (to varying degrees). I can also, knowing what I know, better relate to the difficulties they face, and that’s weirdly inspirational. I want to create, but I struggle with that. I want to be a leader in my career, but not everyone wants that from me. Sometimes the worst of us overcomes the best of us. Sometimes the pressures of our jobs amplify our weaknesses. I won’t repeat my long list of bullet points related to Marty’s firing, but much of it applies here.

There may be a little self-aggrandizing in that article, but I see a lot of humility, too. Bungie devs have tended to be their most severe critics, and I think that’s apparent here, too. Despite it all, Bungie has made many things they can be proud of in a tough, competitive business. We got the games. We enjoyed them. We still can. I won’t tell you how to feel, but go play your favorite Halo level. Maybe that’ll help.