Destiny 2's New 'Episode' Format Seems Like Bonus Timegating, For Now
What specific elements of timegating are introduced in the new episodes?
The new episodes of Destiny 2 introduce several elements of timegating, including weapons added to current episode pools that unlock in future acts, a timegated battle pass with rewards that cannot be earned until other Acts begin, and new artifact perks that are unlocked over time.
What are the implications of adding more weapons to future episode pools?
Adding more weapons to future episode pools in Destiny 2 implies several consequences:
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Increased Variety: Players will have a wider range of weapons to choose from, enhancing gameplay diversity.
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Timegating: Some weapons won't be unlocked until future acts, meaning players will have to wait for them, potentially affecting player engagement and satisfaction.
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Impact on Existing Weapons: The introduction of new weapons might overshadow older ones, making them less relevant in the game's meta.
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Balancing Challenges: Bungie will need to ensure that the new weapons are balanced and don't disrupt the game's equilibrium.
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Additional Grind: Players may need to invest more time and effort to acquire and master the new weapons, which could be both exciting and exhausting for them.
How does the new episode format compare to the previous seasonal model?
The new episode format in Destiny 2 is similar to the previous seasonal model in terms of structure and time-gated content. Players were expecting a significant change, but the new system still features a weekly cadence, time-gating, and a familiar HELM home base. The main difference is the introduction of three acts within each episode, which may allow for more story-focused content.