As time wore on, the cracks began to become more and more apparent. The critics probably moved on from game and reviews were not updated to reflect this ever changing view of what is expected to be a long-term game experience. Fans, however, have stuck with the game only to find themselves disappointed. The end-game content was, for lack of a better word, lacking. The high-end Exotic weapons and gear felt like anything but their namesake. The first expansion, Curse of Osiris, offered very little to put an end to the complaints. If anything, the first DLC release only stoked the flames of disappointment and outrage, especially when it comes to the content that was tucked away behind the in-game store, Eververse.
Taking a cue from the fan response near the launch of the original Destiny, Bungie once again said that they are listening to the complaints. Fans wanted Destiny 2 to at least be on par with where Destiny was at the end of the game's third year. If anything, Destiny 2 has been closer to the state the original was near launch, almost as if Bungie had learned nothing over the previous few years. It lacked the content fans wanted and it lacked the kind of communication fans demanded. The regression was quite remarkable.
Bungie offered up the first of what will hopefully be many quality of life updates to Destiny 2 near the end of 2017. This update included the addition of Masterwork weapons, the re-introduction of Xur's Threeof Coins item from Destiny, and many other quality of life changes. This was a great step in the right direction, but Bungie wasn't done yet. As the new year rolled in, Bungie then provided the fans with a fairly lengthy developer update.
Some of these changes include the return of 6v6 PvP modes, Masterwork armors, a better Vault system, and more. Even with these changes planned, Bungie is looking to fight an uphill battle. Fans are already voicing their concerns that even this is too little, too late. They feel, rightfully so, that all of this should have been in the game from the very beginning. Other fans are still upset that there is still a rather significant deficit of unique and new weapons and armor for the end game content. Speaking of which, while the Raid Lair has been a welcome injection of new content, it still isn't on par with the addition of completely unique raids. Perhaps this will change when the inevitable third and fourth paid expansions come out.
The battle doesn't stop there either. With 2018 being full of some high profile games all vying for your hard-earned money, Bungie is going to need to pull out all of the stops. The biggest competition will be from Bungie's own parent company, Activision. The new Call of Duty is, of course, going to be another top seller just as they are every year. However, the year is also going to be dominated by the return of Rockstar with Red Dead Redemption 2 and the always popular FIFA franchise with FIFA 19. Following the disappointing release of Mass Effect: Andromeda, BioWare will have a chance at redemption with Anthem.
However, when it comes right down to it, the biggest obstacle facing Bungie in 2018 will be themselves. It will be very interesting to see if they can yet again re-earn the trust of their fans.
