PlayStation’s ‘Destiny 2,’ ‘Marathon’ Developer Undergoes More Layoffs (Gaming News Roundup)

PlayStation’s Bungie is facing a round of layoffs after releasing its final update for “Destiny 2.”

In a statement posted on X, the studio explained that “we are announcing a reduction in force as we reorganize Bungie.” No specific numbers regarding dismissals were revealed.

In a separate statement, Hermen Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Studio Business Group, said that the layoffs would include “a significant number of employees, including most of the ‘Destiny’ team and some ‘Marathon’ team members.”

“We recognize ‘Destiny 2’ fell short of expectations these past several years,” Bungie’s statement continued. “Following our final content update to ‘Destiny 2,’ and with our future projects still in early incubation, we unfortunately could not continue operating at our previous size.”

“Destiny 2” received its last update earlier this month on June 9.

Multiple rounds of layoffs have taken place at Bungie since it was acquired by Sony, including staff cuts in both 2023 and 2024.

NEWLY ANNOUNCED GAMES

Nex and SEGA are partnering up to bring “Sonic Forces” to Nex Playground later this year. The upcoming title introduces Sonic the Hedgehog to the platform in celebration of the franchise’s 35th anniversary.

“Sonic Forces” (a working title) reimagines the running and action gameplay, offering a replayable, physically active experience. The game is built by SEGA’s HARDlight Studios and is currently in development, available for purchase later this year on Nex Playground through Play Pass, Nex Playground’s content subscription.

“The introduction of a globally recognized character such as Sonic the Hedgehog to Nex Playground represents a significant achievement for our community; it further advances our mission to connect families and friends through active play while ensuring the continuous delivery of fresh content,” said David Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Nex. “’Sonic Forces’ translates the popular mobile title of the franchise into a truly physical experience, giving families a new way to move and play together.”

This partnership marks a significant moment for Nex Playground, including its international expansion into the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Video game publisher Trailmark Games has made its official debut, setting up four titles set to launch in 2026 and 2027, including a new arcade game set in the universe of “The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival.”

Trailmark Games’ mission is to serve the broader PC and console gaming market and deliver games that bring fan-favorite IPs to life.

“We are incredibly proud to launch Trailmark Games alongside a veteran team that shares a passion for great franchises and unforgettable gaming experiences. This launch represents years of relationships, experience and belief in what licensed gaming can become when talented teams and trusted partners collaborate behind a shared vision,” said Andy Koehler, Principal & Head of Partnerships. “We’ve always believed licensed games deserve the same creativity, care, and ambition as any major or indie release, and Trailmark Games was built with exactly that philosophy.”

Trailmark Games is led by key former executives from GameMill Entertainment, the team that published best-sellers like “Nickelodeon Kart Racers,” “Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl,” “Cobra Kai,” and more.

Outright Games and Hasbro, Inc. are partnering to create the “Hasbro Games Junior Collection,” launching on Nov. 6. The collection brings together popular family board games such as “Monopoly Junior,” “Cluedo Junior,” and “Game of Life Junior.”

“Hasbro Games Junior Collection” will feature customizable avatars, interactive challenges, rewards and colourful environments, built with younger players in mind while still appealing to long-time fans.

LIVE EVENTS

K-pop group Le Sserafim will return to gaming convention BlizzCon 2026 to perform as the event’s closing musical act on Sept. 13.

BlizzCon, held by Blizzard Entertainment, is a weekend-long celebration with esports, panels, cosplay and live experiences to bring together gamers around the world. This year’s event takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center beginning September 12 and ends the following day, with passes already sold out.

Le Sserafimv previously performed at BlizzCon 2023 and collaborated with Overwatch the same year. The girl group, who is preparing to launch their U.S. tour, consists of Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha and Hong Eunchae.

PARTNERSHIPS

Nex has announced a new partnership with HYBE to bring a BTS-branded music experience to Nex Playground later this year.

Players will interact with BTS’ music through full-body gameplay, using Nex Playground’s controller-free, motion-tracking technology. Designed exclusively for Nex Playground, the experience reimagines how users can engage with the group at home.

The collaboration marks Nex’s first-ever co-branded edition of Starri, creating an all-new interactive experience.

“Music has always been one of the most powerful ways to bring people together, and BTS have built a global community through that shared connection,” said Tom Kang, President and Head of International of Nex. “Our partnership with HYBE creates a unique experience that celebrates the energy, creativity, and cultural impact of BTS while bringing all ages together through ‘Starri,’ one of our most popular games. This collaboration marks an important milestone in the evolution of ‘Starri’ as a franchise and demonstrates the potential for music and active play to connect audiences around the world.”

AWARDS

Nonprofit Games for Change has announced the special award winners for the 2026 Games for Change Awards, which aim to recognize individuals and organizations in the gaming industry who have driven positive change.

Jenn Panattoni received the Vanguard Award for social impact work, while Thatgamecompany took home the prize for industry leadership, and SpecialEffect won the Giving Award.

These honorees, plus the G4C Award winners, will be recognized during the G4C Awards Ceremony on July 21, hosted by actors Anjali Bhimani and Osric Chau.

Regular-priced tickets are available until July 5, 2026, with discounts offered for nonprofits, educators, and students. View the full Festival lineup and more details at festival.gamesforchange.org.

DATA

Xbox sales are at its all-time low this month, with PlayStation also reaching its lowest sales since 2000, according to Circana’s May video games report.

This is despite video game spending reaching $4.2 billion in the U.S. this year, which is up 3% from 2025. The PS5 dropped 58% in sales since last May, and Xbox dropped 12%.

The report also revealed year-to-date spending has reached $23 billion, a 4% increase from last year.

Nintendo Switch 2 was the best-selling platform for May and 2026 YTD, with the PS5 coming in second. 007 First Light had the most full game dollar sales and debuted as the 4th best-seller of 2026 YTD, making it the highest launch month full game dollar sales for a James Bond video game in the franchise.

IN-GAME EVENTS

Olivia Rodrigo has partnered with Fortnite for a limited time to promote her new album.

The singer joined the Icon Series on Thursday with two outfits, a full cosmetic set and a non-playable character in Battle Royale, which is available until July 25. The outfits include reactive styles and a Lego Minifig variant. Three new jam tracks, two emotes and two back blings can be purchased in the Item Shop as well.

Rodrigo also has six jam tracks available on Festival Karaoke, which is now available on mobile.

She released her third studio album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” on June 12.

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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'

Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.

The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.

Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.

But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.

'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.

'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'

The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.

Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'

A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs

Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts

But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'

A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.

'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.

Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.

'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.

'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.

'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.

'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'

'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.

'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'

PlayStation’s ‘Destiny 2,’ ‘Marathon’ Developer Undergoes More Layoffs (Gaming News Roundup)

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