'There is no world where it makes sense,' Warframe creative director says of Destiny 2's demise: 'It's unthinkable'

"There Is No World Where It Makes Sense," Warframe Creative Director Says of Destiny 2's Demise

The sudden closure of Destiny 2 has left the gaming world in shock, with players, streamers, and even members of Bungie’s own development team reportedly caught off guard by the announcement. The decision to end Destiny 2 came with little warning, and Rebb Ford, creative director of Warframe, called the situation “unthinkable” in a recent episode of the OnlyFrame podcast.

Ford expressed his disbelief, saying, “There is no world where it makes sense, from someone who enjoys video games, that you can just do that. You can just end one of the biggest things to hit the gaming industry in the past 10 years.” His comments reflect the broader sentiment among fans and developers who have long considered Destiny 2 a cornerstone of the FPS and MMO genres. The closure has reignited discussions about the future of shared-world online games and the sustainability of major franchises in the evolving gaming landscape.

Warframe’s Legacy and the Influence of Bungie

For those who may not be familiar, this moment carries particular weight given Warframe’s position as Destiny 2’s most recognizable competitor. While Warframe has never matched Destiny 2’s peak in concurrent players on Steam, it has built a long-running, loyal fanbase with a distinct and unconventional experience. Unlike Destiny 2, which emphasizes precise gun stats and structured gameplay, Warframe leans into a more freewheeling and surreal approach, often blending action with narrative in ways that challenge traditional design norms.

Despite its own struggles, Warframe has maintained a consistent presence in the FPS space, and Ford has acknowledged the influence of Bungie’s earlier work on Warframe’s development. In May 2026, shortly after the Destiny 2 closure was announced, Ford said, “There is no Warframe without the legacy of Bungie games.” This sentiment underscores the deep respect and connection between the two franchises, even as they have taken divergent paths.

A Glimpse into Warframe’s Past

Ford shared a personal story from his youth, recalling how he and his best friend, who gave him the nickname “rebulast,” rushed to pick up their midnight release editions of Halo 3. “We sped home, told our parents it was important, and played more Halo than you could imagine,” Ford said. This moment highlights the profound influence of Bungie’s earlier titles on Warframe’s creative direction, even as the two games have grown into very different experiences.

Before Bungie was acquired by Sony, there was a time when Sony was even considering purchasing Leyou, the Chinese parent company of Warframe developer Digital Extremes. Ford referenced this in the podcast, saying, “I’ll leave it at that,” after reading a headline from a 2020 report. “Warframe is made by Digital Extremes and Sony wanted to buy Digital Extremes, according to a 2020 article. So there was a time, is all.”

Cohh Carnage, Ford’s co-host, responded with, “Y’all might have dodged a timeline bullet,” to which Ford replied simply, “Yup.”

Looking Ahead to TennoCon

Leyou was acquired by Tencent in December 2020, just a year before Sony’s $3.6 billion buyout of Bungie. Tencent’s acquisition of Leyou was significantly less expensive, at just $1.5 billion. This acquisition has helped Warframe continue its growth and development, and the game is now preparing for another major event.

Warframe’s annual TennoCon convention, which has now been running for a decade, is set to return this July in London, Ontario. The event will be a highlight for fans of the game, offering a chance to engage with the community and get updates on the franchise’s future. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Warframe remains a testament to the enduring power of creative vision and dedicated fan support.