10 Beloved Video Game Studios That Publishers RUINED

3. Bungie

Bungie's Halo series is one of the most influential gaming franchises of all time, and was the title that launched Microsoft's foray into the medium some eighteen years ago. From Halo: Combat Evolved to Reach, the studio helmed hit after hit, and managed to ensure that Halo will go down as one of the greatest video game series ever created.

Reach, a prequel to the first Halo game, ended up being Bungie's final contribution to that series, and fans were excited to see what they had planned next. They'd signed a deal with Activision earlier in 2010, but the studio wouldn't bring everyone across with them. Some would stay to assist 343 Industries on Halo 4, and Activision's reputation sort of goes without saying at this point.

Bungie's 'next big thing' was meant to be Destiny, and the hype was real. The game proved to be a massive commercial success, spawning several successful content add-ons and even a sequel in 2017. The Bungie of yesteryear, however, has ceased to be.

Instead of crafting a mythos as rich or as vibrant as Halo, the studio now spends their time crafting a repetitive loot-shooter with an aimless story. Micro-transactions are prevalent, and the grind, as they say, is real.

Whether this was Bungie's fault or Activision's is still up in the air, but with the studio having ended their partnership with the publisher this January, one can only hope they get back to their best.

[EP]