With an impending apocalypse, it’s nice to know the guardians are doing all they can to prepare for it. Even as not just one, but two cataclysmic events are being foreshadowed in the future ofDestiny 2, it seems the Vanguard has decided now is the perfect time for an Olympics-like celebration for the classes of guardians. The tonal shift seems insane in context.
It’s important to preface this piece with stating that this is not a criticism of the event itself, as it’s just a side-event with no ramifications onDestiny’s story in any way. The concept is interesting, but at the same time, it’s understandable if players are wondering if this is the right time for the Guardian Games. Both tonally and functionally,Destiny 2has been in a rough spot for a while, and Guardian Games isn’t exactly what players need right now.
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Ignorance is Bliss
Consider the timing of the inaugural Guardian Games from a story perspective: an ancient malevolent force that once nearly destroyed humanity has returned to the solar system, and the Vanguard knows they’re coming. Cabal have sent their literal star-killing superweapon the Almighty, which for reference is about the size of Mercury, on a crash course with Earth and the Traveler. And yet, with everything going on, it seems Eva Levante and the Vanguard have determined now is the perfect time for… a celebration?To determine whether Titans, Hunters, or Warlocks are the better class? During a time where guardians should band together, they’re competing against one another.
Humanity hasn’t been this vulnerable sinceDestiny 2’s beginning, when the Red Legion took over the Last City. Lore-wise, the Darkness poses an even bigger threat then the Red Legion at their strongest, as the mysterious god-like enemy that floats around the universe in pyramid shaped ships was responsible for the Collapse of humanity’s Golden Age. Zavala and the Vanguard know this threat is coming,Rasputin practically confirmed it in the Io Bunker scene. And yet, amidst all this inevitable peril, Guardians are dressing up in colorful sportswear and competing against one another for bragging rights.
Guardians have never been the type to boast in the face of imminent doom, but apparently now is a better time than ever.
More of the Same
Of course, this is all without taking into account the state ofDestiny 2in general. Amidst complaints ranging from constructive criticism to straight-up vitriol, manyplayers have gotten to the point where they’ve quitDestiny 2. Guardian Games comes at a time where things like bounties feel like chores, yet all the rewards from the event are specifically geared towards completing bounties. Even if the exotic heavy machine gun Heir Apparent is worth the grind, it comes at the cost of players' frustration with a system that forces a constant grind. Bungie has continuously expressed its desire to improveDestiny 2in any way it can, but Guardian Games can’t possibly be the fruit of its labors.
Consistently it seemsDestiny 2needs to disable an overpowered or unbalanced exotic weapon/armor.Cheaters are banned by Bungie’s moderators over 2,000 times a weekfor abuse like aimbots and instant revives in Trials of Osiris. Even with the Guardian Games themselves, the event doesn’t introduce a new activity, like the Verdant Forest from the Revelry or Festival of the Lost. These bounties are designed to supplement existing PvE/PvP activities like Black Armory Forges, where defeating enemies drops motes that feed into these bounties. It’s a nice supplement for PvE players who already intend on doing these events, but it’s not a reason for uninterested players to return.
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Why Now?
The argument here isn’t to state that Guardian Games is a tone deaf inclusion, asDestiny 2has had similar spirited events previously, but it does stand to reason that the timing of the new event is a little odd. Eventhe Revelry, the event Guardian Games is replacingfor the seasonal spring event, had its own dedicated activity at the very least. Guardian Games builds off existing activities, many of which are enjoyable on their own, but adds a slew of tiresome bounties that are nothing new for dedicated players. Story-wise guardians are supposed to be preparing for a doomsday-like calamity coming for Earth. Guardian Games is taking away from the narrative buildup and importance of that moment, even if it’s doing so indirectly.
If the Guardian Games are being framed as a distraction for humanity during gloomy times, the celebration only adds new things at face value and may hurt the game’s buildup in the long run.
Destiny 2is available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
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