The recent changes in Destiny 2’s raid difficulty have sparked significant debate within the community. Many players feel that content creators, who often cater to the most skilled players, have influenced Bungie to increase the challenge of new raids. This has led to frustration and concerns about the game’s accessibility for the average player.

Issues with Increased Raid Difficulty

Complex Mechanics:

The introduction of more complex and demanding raid mechanics can overwhelm casual players.

Stronger Enemies:

• Encounters featuring stronger and more numerous enemies can feel punishing and less enjoyable.

Tight Timing:

• Every aspect of the raid is timed, leaving little room for error and increasing the overall difficulty.

Concerns About Bungie’s Response

Bungie’s approach to these concerns has also been problematic. The lack of clear communication and transparency about design decisions contributes to player frustration. When players feel their feedback is ignored, it leads to a sense of alienation and distrust.

Division in the Community

Catering primarily to top-tier players can create a division within the community. Casual and mid-level players may feel excluded and pressured to play more or improve rapidly, leading to burnout and reduced enjoyment of the game.

Potential Solutions

Difficulty Scaling:

• Introduce multiple difficulty levels for raids to make content accessible to all players while still providing a challenge for hardcore players.

Better Communication:

• Regular updates from Bungie explaining design choices and addressing community concerns directly.

• Open forums or AMA sessions where developers can engage with players and discuss feedback.

Inclusive Design:

• Design encounters that can be approached in various ways, accommodating different playstyles and skill levels.

• Reward participation and effort, not just the completion of the hardest content.

Community Actions

Constructive Feedback:

• Players should provide detailed, constructive feedback to Bungie, focusing on specific issues and suggestions for improvement.

Community:

• Engagement: Encourage dialogue between different segments of the community to foster understanding and support.

Balancing a game like Destiny 2 to satisfy both hardcore and casual players is a complex task. However, through open communication, inclusive design, and constructive community engagement, Bungie can better address these concerns and create a more enjoys.