Dataminers have unearthed evidence of a likely plan to implement a subscription service to Destiny 2. Bungie is now working on the next big addition for Destiny 2, Lightfall, which will be released on February 28, 2023. Bungie has previously described most of Lightfall, so if a subscription service was intended, it would have been publicised. However, it’s very plausible that such a service was contemplated for Destiny 2 at one time or another.
Destiny 2 is already quite well-monetized. Bungie has established itself as an industry leader in terms of selling live service experiences. The basic game of Destiny 2 is now free to play, although expansions are still available for a fee. Annual Passes are also available, containing seasonal content like new weapons, armour, and a varied spectrum of playable endgame material. There is also a premium currency, Silver, which can be spent on cosmetics and item packages in Destiny 2. It has also offered a Dungeon Pass and a 30th Anniversary Pack, both of which include additional content. Suffice it to say, Bungie increasing monetization is more than plausible.
According to the reports, dataminers from the D2 Datamines Discord community revealed proof of plans for a Destiny 2 premium membership. Subscription purchases for one, three, six, and twelve months are referenced in the files. It is worth noting that the subscriptions are closely related to Lightfall.
The files are also accompanied by some written explanations that provide more insight. One item includes “Lightfall, two new dungeons and raids, one month of premium content in Destiny 2 Year 6,” as well as additional DLC goodies. Another description invites users to “enhance your experience as a New Light with a premium membership to Destiny 2.” At the very least, the subscription might be anticipated to be placed on top of purchases such as Lightfall and other expansions.
Although Bungie doesn’t seem to be following through with introducing a subscription service to Destiny 2, it’s not hard to picture that occurring. Subscriptions are no longer limited to games like World of Warcraft. For example, Fortnite includes a membership called the Fortnite Crew that offers cosmetics and money. It’s easy to envision Bungie considering a subscription as another way to boost income.
It’s unclear what Bungie would include with a Destiny 2 subscription. It might give a discount on Silver and other cosmetics, or it could bundle items like the Dungeon Pass and Season Pass into a subscription. It’s reasonable to assume, though, that it won’t combine everything it produces into a subscription service like World of Warcraft. What Bungie finally chooses to do remains to be seen.
