UPDATE: Looks like the subscription model isn’t happening at least for now, since the information published in the D2 Datamines server was incorrect, as pointed out by the owner in a new post.
Original Story: Destiny is and always has been a game with annual expansions since its release in 2014, with smaller expansions (House of Wolves, Warmind, etc) releasing in between. However, with the launch of Destiny 2’s first major expansion — Forsaken, Bungie changed the model from two smaller expansions to seasons, releasing a total of four seasons per year. And now, it looks like the developer is experimenting with a premium subscription service for the game, as some references are found in the game files.
It appears that Bungie was testing a monthly subscription model (similar to games like Final Fantasy XIV) for Destiny 2’s upcoming Lightfall expansion and season 20 which was later scrapped(?) for some reason, uncovered in the game files. Elliott over in the D2 Datamines Discord server shared some file strings that feature four types of subscriptions for the game.
- \season_20\data\subscription_upsell_month1_ad_banner_000_004.v2.tif
- \season_20\data\subscription_upsell_month3_ad_banner_000_005.v2.tif
- \season_20\data\subscription_upsell_month6_ad_banner_000_006.v2.tif
- \season_20\data\subscription_upsell_month12_ad_banner_000_007.v2.tif
As we can see, this clearly suggests that at some point there was a subscription service planned for Lightfall and season 20. The file description says that the subscription model would include “Lightfall, two new dungeons and raids, 1 month of premium content in Destiny 2 Year 6, a new Exotic Sparrow, Quicksilver Storm catalyst and ornament, and Rahool’s Secret Stash: four Exotic accessories and premium materials pack delivered throughout Year 6″.
“Enhance your journey as a New Light with a premium subscription to Destiny 2. Try out the first missions and destinations from Destiny 2: Lightfall, The Witch Queen, Beyond Light and Shadowkeep for free.”
“Prevent the apocalypse by racing Emperor Calus to the edge of the solar system. Brave a new campaign and master Strand, a new subclass. Pre-order now to instantly unlock Quicksilver Storm Exotic weapon and exclusive bonuses.”
We don’t know when this was added in the game files but considering it’s for Lightfall and season 20, the best guess is with the launch of Season of Plunder, after the Lightfall showcase event.
Now, even with some direct references to a Destiny 2 subscription service in the game files, we don’t know if this will come to fruition by The Final Shape, or if this is something Bungie plans on adding to the next saga of Destiny. In short, take it with a grain of salt.
As of right now, Bungie has not announced any sort of Destiny 2 premium subscription model for Lightfall or Year 6 in general. The community has been asking for a seasonal revamp in Destiny 2 due to its repetitive level grinding, power creep, and vendor upgrades for months now.
Destiny 2’s Season of the Seraph is going in full swing right now, with its third exotic Revision Zero, now available as part of the new exotic mission that went live earlier this week.
