It truly feels like the end of an era at Bungie, the studio behind Destiny 2 and the upcoming Marathon, as CEO Pete Parsons has officially announced his departure. Parsons, who has led Bungie for nearly a decade, revealed his decision in a heartfelt statement on Bungie’s website, marking a major leadership shift for the iconic developer.
Pete Parsons’ Legacy at Bungie
Parsons’ history with Bungie stretches back to 2002, when he joined the studio during the development of Halo 2 and Halo 3. After a brief departure in 2006, he returned two years later, taking on the role of marketing director. In 2015, following the resignation of then-president Harold Ryan, Parsons stepped into the CEO role.
Over the past decade, Parsons guided Bungie through some of its most transformative years. Under his leadership, Bungie not only expanded Destiny 2 into one of the most successful live-service games on the market, but also secured its independence from Activision in 2019 before being acquired by Sony in 2022.
Why Parsons Is Stepping Down
In his farewell message, Parsons explained that stepping aside was a personal decision meant to allow “a new generation of leaders” to guide the studio forward. He didn’t cite a specific reason for leaving but framed it as a passing of the torch after years of growth, challenges, and change.
“Bungie is more than just the games we make; it’s the people who pour their creativity, passion, and soul into this studio every day,” Parsons shared.
Bungie’s Next Chapter Under Justin Truman
While Bungie has not appointed a new CEO, the studio has named longtime developer Justin Truman as its new Studio Head. Truman has been with Bungie for over 15 years, contributing to roles ranging from software development to serving as the company’s Chief Development Officer.
In his introduction, Truman acknowledged Bungie’s struggles over the years but emphasized the studio’s resilience and commitment to learning from its mistakes. He highlighted the importance of Bungie’s community, crediting players for shaping the worlds of Destiny and beyond.
Truman also teased that fans can expect more news on Bungie’s upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated Marathon revival later in 2025, alongside ongoing updates for Destiny 2.
Pete Parsons’ departure marks a significant shift for Bungie, a studio that has seen multiple evolutions throughout its history. From the early days of Halo to the massive universe of Destiny, Bungie has always thrived on change—and this latest leadership move may set the stage for its next great chapter.
With Justin Truman stepping into a key leadership role, the studio looks ahead to the future of Destiny and the bold new world of Marathon. While the end of Parsons’ tenure truly feels like the end of an era at Bungie, it may also be the beginning of something entirely new.