Bungie’s latest endeavor has taken an intriguing turn as the developers known for their iconic titles like Destiny shift gears into the realm of team-based multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs). This new direction, initially codenamed “Gummy Bears,” draws parallels to the beloved Super Smash Bros. series, leveraging its foundations while venturing into uncharted territories. The project, however, is no longer solely in the hands of Bungie’s original team; it has been transferred to a newly founded PlayStation studio, which emerged during a significant restructuring within Bungie, now a part of Sony.
This transition not only allows for fresh perspectives but also involves about 40 developers from Bungie who will carry their experience into this promising new project. The new studio, initially comprising 155 professionals, was tasked with creating an “action game set in a brand-new science-fantasy universe,” indicating a focus on imaginative storytelling paired with dynamic gameplay.
Gummy Bears is characterized as “vibrant,” “colourful,” and “cosy,” targeting a younger demographic and aiming to create an engaging experience reminiscent of popular cartoon aesthetics. What sets this experience apart is its innovative gameplay mechanics, including a unique percentage-based damage system. Unlike standard health bars found in many competitive games, this approach emphasizes a more kinetic interaction among players, where each hit causes a significant impact, echoing the mechanics of Super Smash Bros.
Additionally, the game features three distinct classes—support, attack, and defence—broadening players’ strategic options as they choose their characters and playstyles. However, the inclusion of a hub area for players to socialize between rounds has received mixed reactions, as many gamers prefer a more focused engagement rather than casually chatting between matches.
With development reportedly underway for three years, there is an anticipatory buzz surrounding this title. Yet, enthusiasm is often tempered by skepticism, especially among long-time fans accustomed to Bungie’s established genres. For instance, Bungie’s ongoing projects, like a reboot of Marathon, have also encountered mixed feelings within the community, leaving some players wary of this new direction.
Conversely, there is an undeniable potential for Bungie to redefine the MOBA genre. While some veterans of the gaming industry express disappointment in initiatives that deviate from Bungie’s acclaimed shooter roots, there remains hope and optimism among others. Fans gravitate toward innovative titles that promise fresh gameplay experiences, and Bungie’s history suggests that they could potentially introduce something groundbreaking in this space.
As Bungie moves forward with Gummy Bears, it stands on the brink of innovation, blending a passion for storytelling, vibrant visuals, and refined mechanics. With an emphasis on teamwork and class dynamics, players may find themselves drawn into a charming universe that encourages both competition and collaboration. Whether this marks a successful shift in Bungie’s evolution will depend largely on the execution of their vision. In the end, fans old and new alike will be watching closely, hoping for a delightful fusion of familiarity and novelty that Bungie promises to deliver.