Bungie, the renowned game development studio, has recently made headlines with a surprising revelation about its workforce. Spotted on the r/GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit, a job listing has shed light on the extensive size ofBungie’s team, surpassing 1,400 employees.
The revelation comes from a recent job listing for aPayroll Manager position at Bungie on their corporate website. The listing states the responsibility to manage end-to-end payroll processes for 1,400+ employees across multiple U.S. states, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada. This information has sparked curiosity among gaming enthusiasts and industry observers alike, prompting a closer look at Bungie’s current workforce dynamics.
Interestingly, Bungie has not been immune to theindustry-wide trend of layoffs in gaming, experiencing multiple workforce reductions in 2023. The math, however, raises questions upon initial examination. Before the layoffs, Bungie had 1,100 employees, and an 8% reduction occurred. The numbers don’t seem to align at first glance.
Possible Explanation:
One plausible explanation for the apparent disparity in numbers is the inclusion of contractors and individuals from Sony. It is likely that the 1,400 figure encompasses not only Bungie’s core employees but also external contributors and collaborators. This scenario becomes more plausible when considering the collaborative nature of the gaming industry, where studios often work with external teams on various projects.
The mention of employees across different countries, including the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada, raises the possibility that individuals from Sony, among other collaborators, have been diverted to work on Bungie projects, particularly Destiny 2. This collaborative effort could explain the increase in the overall workforce, even in the face of internal layoffs.
Bungie Cuts Staff in October Following Delayed Destiny 2 Expansion
The revelation about Bungie’s extensive workforce comes against the backdrop of a tumultuous year for game studios. Layoffs have been a prevailing theme across the industry, affecting several studios. Bungie’s experience is reflective of the challenges faced by many game developers as they navigate the evolving landscape of the gaming world.
As the industry grapples with challenges and transformations, understanding the nuances of these workforce dynamics becomes crucial for enthusiasts and industry analysts alike. The inclusion of external contributors and collaborators further emphasizes the collaborative nature of game development, where diverse talents come together to create immersive gaming experiences.
