Bungie Issues Statement on Destiny The Taken King Interview Controversy

Bungie’s Destiny has never been known to deliver the best value for money compared to most modern games, a fact which was reinforced when the developer announced the next DLC The Taken King for $40. It also didn’t help that director Luke Smith addressed the controversy surrounding special Collector’s Edition items not being available to veteran players by stating that, “If I fired up a video right now and showed you the emotes you would throw money at the screen” among other things.

Suffice to say, the Destiny community on Reddit and Bungie.net hasn’t taken those words very well. Community manager David “DeeJ” Dague finally stepped in, stating that, “Please know that we’re reading this feedback and taking it as seriously – as we always do. Destiny is a great game because we worked together to make it that way over the course of the past year. That partnership has not changed.

“I understand that you want me to go on record right now with something that will address the disappointment that’s being expressed here. I’m going to differ to the Bungie Weekly Update, in which we’ll talk more about the things we’re doing to celebrate the year-one Guardians who helped us build this community. I’ll also revisit our goals in offering different versions of The Taken King. Ever heard the old adage about trying to please everyone?”

Sounds noble enough but then Dague replied on the Bungie.net forums to a player stating he refuses to pay for what he already owns. “That’s your right, and we respect your freedom to make decisions about what you find valuable.

“The Collector’s Edition is mostly sold out, so the people who found that stuff valuable jumped at the chance. You’ll likely see it sold on eBay for much more than what we’re asking. But that’s not the point. Right?

“The real conversation here is: What are we doing to honor you, the players who have been bound to Destiny in this first year of action and adventure? I’m glad you asked. I’m going to answer in the Bungie Weekly Update.”

Many have found problems with that second line and for good reason. Why bring up the fact that the Collector’s Edition is sold out when it’s not integral to the conversation, which is Smith’s disdain for consumers and the estimated value that The Taken King will deliver? For that matter, what will Bungie deliver to first year players that will present more value than the previously announced emblem and sparrow?

Stay tuned for the Bungie Weekly Update for more information – it will certainly be an interesting one.