Bungie’s Destiny details leaked, social experience for your inner seven year old

A document leaked to IGN, and later confirmed by Bungie, reveals the first real details about Destiny, the studio’s next big thing after Halo. The details include plot, design guidelines and concept art.

First, the plot: Destiny (which appears to be the game’s actual name, and not just a codename) takes place 700 years in the future, in the Last City on planet Earth. The solar system was once colonized by men, but after a series of vicious alien attacks, humanity had to return to Earth, where it is protected by a mysterious alien vessel (referred to as The Traveler). players will take the role of Knights – warriors tasked with defending the last of humanity from the alien attacking from the “edge of the universe”.

Gameplay-wise, Destiny is described as a social experience “at its core” designed “for your inner seven year old,” according to Bungie co-founder Jason Jones. So not as mature as Halo then?

While not confirmed as an MMO, some gameplay elements and design guidelines mentioned in the document, like exploration of a “universe as deep, tangible and relatable as that of the Star Wars franchise” with friends “both old and new”, may suggest that it is one after all.

Responding to the leak, Bungie was told IGN:

We’re not quite ready to take the wraps off our next universe, but in light of recent events we thought we’d give fans something a little more official over at Bungie.net. Feel free to drop by and say hello! There’s much more to come.

This “something a little more official” is actually this official piece of concept art:

When we first heard about the new project Destiny via a leaked contract between Bungie and Activision, we learned it was part of a four-game plan coming in the fall of 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Four expansion packs codenamed “Comet” were also mentioned for fall of 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.

Judging by the game’s logo, Destiny is intended for release on the Xbox 360 and PS3, and whatever consoles that will replace them in the future (Xbox 720 and PS4). See all the leaked concept art below.