Home Gaming Activision got “a lot more right than we got wrong” with Destiny

Activision got “a lot more right than we got wrong” with Destiny

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64

TekkenKing

I actually enjoyed Destiny. The actual shooting and mechanics were completely on-point, even if its narrative was lacking, and its lore was obfuscated behind an external application. I also hated the post natural level-cap grind – because motes of light and etheric whatsits can get in the sea. What it got right though, was more important than what it got wrong. And according to Activision, it got so much more right than it got wrong.

“In terms of things we could’ve gotten better, I think everyone would agree that we could’ve gotten some of the story and dialogue down better the first go [around]. I think there have already been some improvements with the following content. It was a big, complex development with a lot of moving parts,” Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg told Examiner

The game’s wave of DLC has helped flesh out the story a little, with the impending Taken King in particular adding far more story to the game. It’s also done away with the unfathomable, esoteric levelling up, replacing the weird grind with a pure XP one.

Where Destiny’s excelled most though, is in how it’s gotten people (like Darryn!) attached to their characters, despite how generic and lifeless they really are.

“I think the game really nailed the investment into your character. I think the core idea that attracted us to this concept when Bungie first showed it was the idea of taking some of the best elements of MMOs and putting [them] into the adrenaline rush that is first-person shooters.

“It was totally unproven that you could do that, but the game really delivers both a great, well-tuned first-person shooter as well as a progression system and investment in your character and world that you really care about. That drives tremendous engagement and fun,” Hirshberg said, concluding with “I think we go a lot more right than we got wrong.”

Last Updated: August 12, 2015

64 Comments

  1. James Anderton

    August 12, 2015 at 10:39

    “Soulless” is the word I still use to describe Destiny to my friends.

    Reply

    • WitWolfy

      August 12, 2015 at 13:59

      And yet it still makes money… At least 3 out of 8 people on my friends list play this every time I log on.

      Reply

      • James Anderton

        August 12, 2015 at 14:09

        Ever heard of those guys that spend all their spare time (and money) at the casino?

        Destiny is a gaming equivalent (much like World of Warcraft). Endless reward feedback loop.

        Reply

  2. Dutch Matrix

    August 12, 2015 at 10:42

    Has anyone here played Dead or Alive 5 Last Round? Just asking.
    And on topic: YAY DESTINY! The Taken King. Where have they Taken him? And have they telephoned Liam Neeson?

    Reply

    • Umar

      August 12, 2015 at 10:46

      Yup, I still think DOA is an Excellent fighter in it’s own rights. You can DL the free version on PSN, though most characters are locked you can still get a feel for the game.

      Reply

      • Dutch Matrix

        August 12, 2015 at 10:48

        It was one of the games I wanted to get when I upgraded my PC. But since that had not happened, I was considering PS4…

        Reply

        • Umar

          August 12, 2015 at 10:50

          Get it, it’s a bit big but it’s free at least to try out.

          Reply

          • Dutch Matrix

            August 12, 2015 at 11:02

            Mebbe I should…

          • Hammersteyn

            August 12, 2015 at 11:05

            I know the physics are big, but what about the game?

          • Umar

            August 12, 2015 at 11:09

            Controls are a bit….wobbly though 😀

          • Hammersteyn

            August 12, 2015 at 11:09

            Bwahahahaha!

  3. Alien Emperor Trevor

    August 12, 2015 at 10:51

    Totally unproven? Borderlands says hello. Stop smoking your advertising, it makes you sound like a tool.

    Reply

  4. Umar

    August 12, 2015 at 10:54

    Can I be honest here? I think they did get a lot more right than they got wrong. It’s unrefined and a lot of the design decision are somewhat infuriating, but they got a product out that thousands of people are still playing a year after release.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      August 12, 2015 at 10:55

      Luckily the internet only focuses on the right and not the wrong……right? 😛

      Reply

      • Dutch Matrix

        August 12, 2015 at 10:56

        The Right Left.

        Reply

      • Umar

        August 12, 2015 at 10:56

        Wrong 😛 I don’t feel that any of the criticism that Destiny got was unwarranted though. I feel all the bad points people keep bringing up are pretty much on point, but I don’t think it’s AS bad as a some people would like us to believe. I got sucked in pretty easily.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          August 12, 2015 at 10:58

          Same here, but only when the game isn’t calling me a baboon or a centipede

          Reply

    • Marc O Polo

      August 13, 2015 at 07:23

      Would still rather play Destiny than the last few COD’s

      Reply

  5. Hammersteyn

    August 12, 2015 at 10:54

    Bwahahahaha dat header!

    Reply

    • Umar

      August 12, 2015 at 10:55

      Only noticed that now lol Best, even though King is a kak character :O

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        August 12, 2015 at 10:57

        Not if you can chain his throws. Massive damage ensues. But you need to get close enough

        Reply

        • Umar

          August 12, 2015 at 11:01

          Yeah, his a pretty big powerouse, but like you said, need to get in there to really do some damage, but I guess that’s just how he was designed, he is a Jaguar wrestler after all. That mask just irritates me for some reason lol

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            August 12, 2015 at 11:05

            Then you probably love Armour King 😛

          • Umar

            August 12, 2015 at 11:12

            He still had that silly mask on lol

        • DrKiller

          August 12, 2015 at 16:29

          Want a hug? 😛

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            August 12, 2015 at 16:48

            Yeah, why not
            *hugs

          • DrKiller

            August 12, 2015 at 16:59

            gotcha!

            *Using King’s combo* 😛

      • Hammersteyn

        August 12, 2015 at 11:13

        Also, his name is King O_o Tekken King. I just realized that…
        http://i.memeful.com/media/post/0MAAOMq_700w_0.jpg

        Reply

        • Umar

          August 12, 2015 at 11:17

          Hence the header. It’s how Frikkie would announce Taken. Tekken King 😛

          Reply

          • Dutch Matrix

            August 12, 2015 at 11:17

            Does Snake allow games on his base?

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 12, 2015 at 11:18

            Now you’re making fun of his ekksent too? Is there no end to your villainy?

          • Umar

            August 12, 2015 at 11:23

            Frikkie must come right, I’m tired of this community pandering to Frikkie.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 12, 2015 at 11:44

            Everyone likes Frikkie because he’s so jolly.

        • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

          August 12, 2015 at 11:26

          Technically speaking…Ag nevermind…

          Reply

  6. RinceThis

    August 12, 2015 at 11:01

    “despite how generic and lifeless they really are.” Pretty shitty thing to say about Darryn.

    Reply

  7. Hammersteyn

    August 12, 2015 at 11:01

    It would be nice if you had the option to grind out the gear and guns you get in raids on your own. There’s so much stuff we miss out on just because we cant play be it family obligations or happy hour.

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      August 12, 2015 at 11:02

      What? You mean you have to be online to play?!

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        August 12, 2015 at 11:04

        Like you’re ever online? Buy a PS+ subscription already damn you!

        Reply

        • RinceThis

          August 12, 2015 at 11:05

          But that means I have to listen to Craig losing his shit when playing Helldivers!

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 12, 2015 at 11:08

            Well then stop landing on him by “accident”.

          • RinceThis

            August 12, 2015 at 11:08

            It is! I mean, I ask him where he is, not my fault I sometimes get my left/right, up/down confuddled…

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 12, 2015 at 11:15

            I know, I have that problem too. That’s FOUR directions & I only have TWO hands FFS.

          • Dutch Matrix

            August 12, 2015 at 11:17

            And one tiny dick! Sorry brain! I meant brain!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 12, 2015 at 11:17

            YOU TOO?!

          • RinceThis

            August 12, 2015 at 11:17

            What is this, Tinder? 0_O

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 12, 2015 at 11:18

            Come on baby, light my fire!

          • RinceThis

            August 12, 2015 at 11:19

            *Swipes left, or is that right… 0_O

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 12, 2015 at 11:20

            Up or down?

          • RinceThis

            August 12, 2015 at 11:21

          • Dutch Matrix

            August 12, 2015 at 11:19

            Love me Tinder,
            Love me True
            All my dreams fulfil
            Oh My darling I love you
            And I always will…

          • Dutch Matrix

            August 12, 2015 at 11:18

            And if we add Rince, we have us three and the start of a beautiful relationship, dontcha think?

          • RinceThis

            August 12, 2015 at 11:17

            Exactly! You only have a keyboard and mouse, where are the two other input devices?!

          • Hammersteyn

            August 12, 2015 at 11:09

            Hell Divers is so three months ago or something, now it’s all about Hot wheels and a soccer ball.

          • RinceThis

            August 12, 2015 at 11:10

            Pah! We all know it’s rigged! RIGGED!

  8. Dawid Eduard Roestorf

    August 12, 2015 at 11:11

    Can’t wait for TTK. But think the biggest mistake from Activision is the overpriced DLC

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      August 12, 2015 at 11:14

      500 randelas! We might export gold and diamonds but we sure as shit aren’t being paid in that.

      Reply

  9. RinceThis

    August 12, 2015 at 11:12

    They have continued to get better but charged us at each new upgrade?

    Reply

  10. Jonah Cash

    August 12, 2015 at 11:49

    I got my Hunter up from Level 27 to level 32.5 over the long weekend!! Had so much fun doing it. I will play as a Warlock for the first time after The Taken King lands 🙂
    Super hyped for this….. again

    Reply

  11. Marcus

    August 12, 2015 at 11:51

    Yet must pay for every improvement made. And using the word “fun” when talking about Destiny…

    Reply

  12. DrKiller

    August 12, 2015 at 16:30

    Do you guys custom make your headers?

    Reply

    • Geoffrey Tim

      August 13, 2015 at 09:37

      Yes, most of them (mostly Darryn and I). I did this one.

      Reply

      • DrKiller

        August 13, 2015 at 10:09

        We should become friends 😛

        Reply

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