The Enduring Legacy of Destiny

A decade has passed since Activision released Destiny, a game that would go on to redefine the boundaries of the shooter genre. Developed by Bungie, the studio behind Halo, Destiny was more than just a first-person shooter - it was a shared-world experience that combined elements of MMOs and looter shooters, with a strong focus on storytelling and world-building. The game's launch was a major event, with many struggling to categorize it within existing genre definitions. As Rami Ismail, an indie developer and Destiny fan, notes, 'When Destiny originally launched, there was nothing quite like it... It was an FPS, sure, and structured like an MMO but not quite massive. It was PvE with a big campaign, but also PvP. It took the looter shooter and made that a very successful live service model.' The game's innovative approach to game design and its bold attempt to merge different genres have had a lasting impact on the industry. According to statistics from Circana's Retail Tracking Service, Destiny has become the 34th biggest video game franchise of all time in terms of US full-game dollar sales, and its influence can be seen in numerous other titles, including Anthem and The Division. However, as Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls points out, 'Most games inspired by the Destiny franchise have been unable to deliver its longevity and long-term engagement.' Despite the challenges it has faced, Destiny remains a beloved franchise with a dedicated player base, and its influence will continue to be felt in the gaming industry for years to come.