Bungie devs reportedly pitched Destiny dating game
Bungie developers reportedly pitched an internal dating game prototype based on the studio’s popular sci-fi shooter Destiny, according to former community manager Lianna Ruppert. The project was created during one of Bungie’s “Carnival” events, where developers are given a week to pursue creative side projects outside their normal responsibilities.
Drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed indie game Dream Daddy, the dating sim prototype was developed as a lighthearted exploration of what a Destiny-themed romance game could look like. Ruppert, who participated in the project in some capacity, described it as “fun” to work on.
However, the pitch did not move forward to become a full project. Management reportedly rejected the idea, stating that the company didn’t want “romance or silliness” in a Destiny-related game. This stance reflected a more serious approach to the franchise’s creative direction and brand identity.
The project remained only a prototype and never progressed beyond this experimental phase. The revelation emerged years later when a fan on Twitter asked about the possibility of a Destiny dating sim, prompting Ruppert to share details about the internal pitch. Former senior narrative designer Robert Brookes also contributed additional context about the project’s development during the Carnival event.
The anecdote provides an interesting glimpse into Bungie’s creative process and how the studio balances experimental innovation with maintaining its established brand image and tone.