An announcement just came out directly from Bungie that one of their core team members has left the studio.
In a statement posted directly on the main Bungie site, today the Lead Writer of the upcoming title Destiny left in pursuit of growth and accomplishment. After being there for fifteen years and a part of the studio’s astounding success, Joseph Staten left us all with these final words:
Dear community friends,
After fifteen great years at Bungie, from the battlefields of Myth to the mysteries of Halo and beyond, I’m leaving to tackle new creative challenges. While this may come as a surprise, fear not. It’s been my pleasure building Destiny these past four years, and after the big reveal this Summer, our hugely talented team is on track for greatness. I’ll be cheering all of them, with all of you, when the game launches next year. Thank you for your support of me, and your continued support of Bungie. We couldn’t have done it without you. Per Audacia Ad Astra!
Joseph Staten
Destiny is one of the most positively hyped upcoming releases, so this is unlikely a fallout from poor circumstances at the studio—although they sure look awkward on-stage.
Wherever Staten goes will be lucky to have him. He’s partially responsible for the gripping narrative of the Halo trilogy, after all.