Why does Destiny have so many orbs?
Polygon explores why the video game Destiny features so many orbs across its gameplay and visual design. The article speaks with Destiny visual designer Ryan Klaverweide to understand the design philosophy behind the abundance of spherical objects in the game.
From glowing balls of mysterious energy to floating spheres of danger, Destiny incorporates orbs in a variety of forms and functions throughout its world and mechanics. These orbs serve different purposes—some represent unknown forces or powers, while others present threats to players. Klaverweide discusses the reasoning behind this recurring visual and gameplay element that has become characteristic of the Destiny experience.
The piece digs into what has become known as Destiny’s “obsession with the orb,” examining how this design choice shapes player experience and contributes to the game’s aesthetic identity. Orbs appear throughout Destiny in multiple contexts, from environmental effects to interactive elements and enemy design, creating a visual language that players become familiar with during gameplay.
By interviewing the visual designer directly, Polygon provides insight into the intentionality behind a design element that many players may have noticed but few have understood the purpose of. The interview reveals the deliberate creative decisions that led to orbs becoming such a prominent feature in Destiny’s visual design, offering a deeper understanding of how game developers make aesthetic choices that define a game’s personality.