AI Could Rescue Games Like Destiny 2, Says Epic CEO

Epic’s chief executive, Tim Sweeney, recently offered a new perspective on why the popular shooter Destiny 2 struggled to stay relevant. He argued that both Bungie and Sony failed to harness new AI tools—an oversight that could have kept the title alive.

The Root Causes

• Design missteps and a shaky ending narrative.
• A prolonged pause in fresh content delivery.
• Bungie’s heavy investment in the Marathon project, diverting resources from Destiny 2.

Financial Struggles

An anonymous insider revealed that the game barely made money throughout its life. The sheer volume of content required to satisfy players forced the studio into continuous spending, and any surplus revenue was quickly funneled into side projects or a sprawling new office complex.

Sweeney’s AI Pitch

Sweeney believes that advanced technology could reduce production costs and speed—potentially revitalizing games like Destiny 2. He has long advocated for AI as a standard component of game creation, urging the industry not to shy away from it. He also criticized another major studio for making AI usage in games too transparent, arguing that this transparency can hinder success.

The Ongoing Debate

It remains unclear whether Sweeney is hinting at using AI to accelerate development or to generate new game content. The broader debate over how generative AI should fit into game design persists, with some viewing it as a helpful tool for creators and others worried about its impact on creative control.