Why Destiny 2 Needs an Onboarding Overhaul: Insights from the Community

As a seasoned Guardian who has traversed the cosmos and battled countless enemies since the early days of Destiny 1, I can attest to the intricate tapestry of lore that binds this universe together. However, as someone who’s brought friends into this epic saga, I’ve also witnessed the confusion and frustration that newcomers face when trying to make sense of it all.

Destiny 2 has generated significant discussions surrounding its onboarding experience and narrative coherence, especially regarding its ability to attract new players. A recent post on the Destiny subreddit highlights concerns that the franchise’s story gaps, coupled with the New Light experience, are creating barriers for new guardians. The author, Christophisis, emphasizes that while Bungie continues to expand the game, an extensive onboarding process that bridges the lore from Destiny 1 to current events is critical for fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers. This post sparked a range of reactions from players, showcasing diverse sentiments about the future of Destiny.

The Destiny franchise needs a proper onboarding experience and unvaulted story content far more than Destiny 3
byu/Christophisis inDestinyTheGame

Summary

Many players believe that the current onboarding experience in Destiny 2 is inadequate and confuses new players.
There’s a significant gap in the story that prevails from the time of The Red War to Shadowkeep, leading to disjointed narratives.
Some players argue that unvaulting past content could overwhelm newcomers rather than help them.
Raiding and gameplay enjoyment persist as strong points, yet players feel a proper narrative recap is crucial for engagement.

The Plight of the Newcomer

Bridging the gap between seasoned players and newcomers is a hot topic among fans of Destiny 2. Christophisis notes that the current New Light experience fails to adequately transition players into the rich lore that Destiny is known for. The absence of a cohesive narrative that seamlessly connects the key moments in the game’s history leaves new players confused. They often enter the game without any understanding of previous events or character relationships.

ChazzyPhizzle, in a concise manner, expressed this idea: “Since this is a live service game that’s been going on for nearly 7 years, I believe they could provide a more comprehensive overview or ‘what’s happened so far’ to make it easier for new players to understand the game’s history and interact with veteran players.” It appears that the community is in agreement that a clear recap of events would be advantageous for newcomers, enabling them to appreciate the rich storyline of the game.

The Challenge of Content Overhaul

Discussions about restructuring and making accessible the current content ignited animated discussions within the community. Members such as BigMoney-D expressed doubts regarding the practicality of compressing years’ worth of stories into the onboarding process, expressing their viewpoint that “I’m not sure what you mean by a ‘proper onboarding experience,’ but it’s certainly not bombarding them with 8 or so years of content.” This point of view suggests that while there is a shared goal for enhancement, the solution may not be as simple as it initially appears.

while some players believe making the game more beginner-friendly could greatly enhance the experience, Bungie might face significant challenges due to the complexities of integrating old content into the game.

The Call for Significant Change

Numerous gamers have seconded Christophis’s plea for Bungie to reevaluate their priorities and design approach. As NaderNation84 stated, “The same people said this four years ago…basically, fans who can’t get enough of the game (Destiny 2) wish it would never end.” It appears that players have an almost compulsive loyalty towards Destiny, but there’s a problem: the onboarding process doesn’t foster or sustain this perpetual love for the game.

For many, it comes down to needing a narrative that players can grasp easily without spending countless hours sifting through prior lore on platforms like YouTube. Importantly, grabbing players’ attention is key in the current gaming landscape where many alternative titles abound. As KitsuneKamiSama observed, “Destiny 2 itself is just so played out that anything they put out will just have more and more diminishing returns,” indicating players’ frustration with the lack of innovative approaches to expansive narratives and onboarding efforts.

Balancing Retention and Growth

Enthusiasts remain captivated by the interactive features, especially the raiding mode, of games like Destiny 2. As ChazzyPhizzle pointed out, raiding is a treasured gaming moment for many. This observation highlights the intricate bond players have with the game’s mechanics and narrative elements. It implies that while the mechanics entice recommendations from friends, a weak storyline may dampen excitement when discussing the game with potential newcomers.

In a similar vein, BaronVonWaffle playfully commented, “Mom says it’s my turn to air a grievance about vaulting…” This witty comment echoes the longing feelings associated with preservation and accessibility issues in a constantly changing game universe. Given that Destiny 2 is an older game, it’s essential to keep the existing players engaged while attracting new ones. Thus, conversations about onboarding processes become increasingly critical.

To fully enjoy multiplayer games like Destiny 2, it’s crucial that everyone involved has a basic grasp of the game’s universe. So, when talking about how to introduce newcomers to the game, let’s focus on clear and manageable explanations that reveal the story’s richness without overwhelming them.

Ultimately, bridging the gap between seasoned and novice Destiny 2 players will foster a long-lasting game environment. A new outlook might create a gaming space that harmoniously blends nostalgia for veteran players with an approachable setting for fresh participants. This welcoming atmosphere can maintain a thriving community, as everyone from old Guardians to newcomers feels at ease in their Destiny journey, cherishing the expansive universe together.

2024-08-23 05:28