Bungie, the legendary developer recognized for their contributions to the looter-shooter genre with titles like Destiny and its upcoming reboot, Marathon, is poised embark on a fresh if courageous journey.
Gummy Bears, as per The Game Post, is Bungie’s foray into the Massive Online Battle Arena genre. This new venture is shaping up to be an exciting detour into a more lighthearted and vibrant domain.
In a genre dominated by heavyweights like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Smite, Bungie’s forthcoming project seems to blend elements from MOBAs with inspirations drawn from a medley of genres including fighting games, platformers, life sims, and intriguingly, frog-type games. One can only wonder what “frog-type games” implies – perhaps a nod to retro classics or a hint of platforming mechanics?
One of our favorite incubation projects is a team-based action game inspired by several genres in a brand-new, science-fantasy universe.
It draws inspiration from fighting games, platformers, MOBAs, life sims, and frog-type games, wrapped up in a lighthearted, comedic world.
— Bungie (@Bungie) August 18, 2023
While the in-development title’s key details remain shrouded in mystery, initial descriptions suggest a world that’s filled with colorful and “cute” characters boasting neon-like aesthetics. This innovative and whimsical approach marks a huge departure from the darker, more intense narratives characteristic of their previous titles.
Venturing into the MOBA realm signifies Bungie’s flexibility in exploring diverse genres, demonstrating their adaptive nature and refusal to be pigeonholed.
But the MOBA landscape isn’t easy to navigate. The genre’s titans are firmly rooted, with dedicated player bases built by its developers from the ground up. Many other MOBAs have tried and failed over the years. For Gummy Bears to make a significant mark, Bungie needs to offer something unique. One potential differentiator could lie in targeting the console MOBA market, a segment that remains relatively untapped.
Crafting a title that’s free-to-play and fine-tuned for console could provide Bungie with a distinct advantage, potentially opening doors to an entirely new audience.
But Bungie doesn’t just want to create another game; they envision a brand-new, science-fantasy realm. It even went a step further to spotlight their ongoing hiring spree for this project, possibly hinting at the scale and significance attached to Gummy Bears.
While Bungie’s expertise in action-packed games is unquestionable, their emphasis on a “friendly, inclusive community” indicates a broader ambition. They’re not merely looking to craft a new gaming experience; they are laying the foundation for an environment that welcomes gamers from all walks of life.
Nevertheless, questions abound. What would a MOBA look like when infused with Bungie’s signature action feel? How will the cute, neon characters fit into intense, team-based combat scenarios? And how will they bridge the complexity and depth of a typical MOBA with the inclusivity they’re aiming for? Only time will tell.
Gummy Bears embodies Bungie’s boldness and their commitment to evolution. If we were to guess, it’s part of Sony’s live-service aspirations, which it recently doubled down on, as well.
If we’re lucky, Bungie will offer us something fresh and different. Given their track record, the expectations are sky-high, but if there’s a developer capable of marrying disparate genres into a cohesive, immersive experience, it’s Bungie.
