The Great Vaulting: Why Bungie Removed Content from Destiny 2
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of why Bungie removed downloadable content (DLC) from Destiny 2 is one that has sparked intense debate and frustration within the game’s community. The short answer is: Bungie removed content primarily to reduce the game’s file size, improve performance, and address content bloat that was impacting game balance and development velocity. This initiative, known as the Destiny Content Vault (DCV), was a controversial decision driven by technical limitations and design considerations. However, it’s a multifaceted issue with deeper implications for the game’s long-term sustainability, and it’s worth diving into the details.
The Burden of Growth: File Size and Performance Issues
The primary driver behind the DCV was the sheer size of Destiny 2. Over the years, with each expansion and seasonal update, the game ballooned to a staggering size. As mentioned in the source material, Destiny 2 reached a whopping 165 gigabytes on players’ hard drives. This was becoming untenable for several reasons:
-
Storage Demands: A massive file size limited the number of players who could install the game, particularly those with limited storage space or slower internet connections. This created a barrier to entry for new players and could potentially drive away existing ones.
-
Performance Degradation: The more content loaded into the game, the more strain it placed on players’ hardware. Older consoles and even some PCs struggled to maintain stable frame rates, leading to a less-than-optimal gameplay experience.
-
Development Complexity: Maintaining and updating such a vast amount of content became increasingly complex for Bungie’s development team. Fixing bugs, implementing new features, and ensuring all content remained compatible was a logistical nightmare.
In essence, Destiny 2 was becoming a victim of its own success. The constant addition of new content was creating a technical bottleneck that threatened the game’s future.
Addressing Content Bloat and Balance Concerns
Beyond the technical limitations, Bungie also cited concerns about content bloat and its impact on game balance. As Destiny 2 grew, the amount of available content became overwhelming for both new and returning players. This “choice paralysis” could be detrimental to the player experience.
-
New Player Onboarding: The sheer volume of quests, activities, and destinations was daunting for new players. It was difficult to understand where to start or what content was relevant to their progression.
-
Underutilized Content: Many older activities and destinations were rarely played, rendering them effectively obsolete. Maintaining these underutilized areas was a drain on resources that could be better allocated to new content.
-
Balance Issues: The proliferation of weapons, armor, and abilities made it increasingly difficult to maintain game balance. The more variables introduced, the harder it became to ensure a fair and engaging PvP experience.
By removing older, less relevant content, Bungie aimed to streamline the player experience, focus development efforts on more impactful areas, and improve overall game balance.
The Destiny Content Vault: A Controversial Solution
The Destiny Content Vault (DCV) was Bungie’s solution to the problems of file size, performance, and content bloat. This involved removing older content from the game and storing it in a “vault.” While vaulted content could theoretically be re-introduced at a later date, its removal sparked significant controversy within the Destiny 2 community.
-
Loss of Investment: Players who had invested time and money in acquiring vaulted content felt cheated. The removal of entire campaigns and destinations meant that their progress and achievements were effectively erased.
-
Content Droughts: The removal of content created periods of inactivity where players felt there was less to do in the game. This could lead to player attrition and a decline in overall engagement.
-
Narrative Disconnect: Vaulting content created gaps in the game’s narrative. New players entering Destiny 2 were often confused about past events and characters, hindering their ability to understand the game’s overarching story.
Despite the controversy, Bungie maintained that the DCV was necessary to ensure the long-term health of Destiny 2. They argued that it allowed them to focus on creating higher-quality content and improving the overall player experience.
The Future of Destiny 2 Content
While the initial implementation of the DCV was met with resistance, Bungie has since adjusted its approach. In August 2022, they announced that expansions would no longer be vaulted. This was a significant concession to player feedback and a recognition that the removal of paid content was not a sustainable solution.
-
Expansion Permanence: Expansions from Shadowkeep onward are now intended to remain in the game permanently. This provides players with a sense of security that their investments will not be taken away.
-
Seasonal Content Vaulting: Seasonal content will continue to be vaulted at the end of each expansion year. This allows Bungie to keep the game’s file size manageable without removing large-scale expansions.
-
Destiny 3 Abandoned: Bungie has also indicated that they have no immediate plans for Destiny 3. Instead, they intend to continue supporting Destiny 2 for the foreseeable future, treating it as a live-service game that evolves over time.
The Games Learning Society can help game developers learn more about the best practices of game design. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore more about this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the removal of DLCs in Destiny 2:
1. Why did Bungie remove the Red War campaign?
The Red War campaign was removed primarily due to file size constraints and a desire to streamline the new player experience. Bungie felt that it was too much content for new players to navigate. They also stated that free-to-play players had too much content.
2. What DLCs were removed from Destiny 2?
Key DLCs removed include the Red War campaign, Curse of Osiris, and Warmind, as well as the campaign portion of Forsaken and the Tangled Shore destination.
3. Will Destiny 2 expansions ever come back from the Destiny Content Vault?
While theoretically possible, Bungie has not announced plans to bring back vaulted expansions in their entirety. Certain assets, such as strikes or crucible maps, might be re-introduced in new contexts.
4. Is Shadowkeep going to be removed from Destiny 2?
No, Shadowkeep is not going to be removed. Bungie has pledged to keep Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen playable indefinitely.
5. Was the Forsaken campaign ever free?
Yes, ahead of its removal, the Forsaken campaign was made free-to-play in December 2021. This allowed players to experience the story before it was vaulted.
6. Why was the Tangled Shore removed?
The Tangled Shore was removed along with the Forsaken campaign as part of the DCV initiative to reduce file size and content bloat.
7. Is Destiny 2 unplayable without DLC?
Destiny 2 is playable without DLC, but your experience will be severely limited. The game becomes much more restrictive, and players might feel “left behind” without the latest content and updates.
8. Will Destiny 2 get more DLC after The Final Shape?
Yes, even though The Final Shape is the end of the Light and Darkness saga, Destiny 2 will continue to receive content updates and new storylines. Bungie has plans for the game beyond 2024.
9. Are Destiny 2 DLCs removed from Game Pass?
Yes, Destiny 2 expansions were removed from Xbox Game Pass on December 8, 2021.
10. What is the oldest DLC for Destiny 2?
The oldest DLC for Destiny 2 is Curse of Osiris, released on December 5, 2017.
11. Is Destiny 2 ending in 2024?
No, Destiny 2 is not ending in 2024. The Final Shape expansion concludes the Light and Darkness saga, but the game will continue with new storylines and content.
12. Why is there no Destiny 3?
Bungie has stated that they prefer to continue supporting Destiny 2 as a live-service game rather than developing a completely new sequel. They are also working on new IPs.
13. What is the lifespan of Destiny 2?
Destiny 2 is expected to be supported well into 2025 and beyond. Bungie is committed to the game’s long-term development and continued support.
14. Was Shadowkeep ever free to play?
Yes, Bungie announced that all of Destiny 2’s expansions, including Shadowkeep, were free for a week at one point.
15. Why did Activision leave Destiny 2?
Activision split with Bungie because Destiny “was not meeting financial expectations.” Activision felt that the game’s performance did not justify the investment.