SaxTalksGames

The state of Destiny 2 is at a crossroads… so where do we go from here?In this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Destiny 2 creators @Toadsmoothie and @LlamaD2 for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the current state of the game, what’s working, what’s not, and what Bungie needs to do next to win players back.We dive deep into:- The biggest issues impacting Destiny 2 right now- Whether the current content model is sustainable- The role of the community in shaping the future- What the "Mid-Season Update” needs to deliver- Our personal hopes (and concerns) for Destiny moving forwardFinally, we round out the conversation by giving a Behind the Scenes look at Llama's New "Darkness Supers" Video in collaborations with Toad to create custom animations. This is a super cool and insightful look into what it looks like to take a project from dream to reality!If you’re a returning player, a hardcore veteran, or someone who’s been on the fence about Destiny’s future, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Check out my guest's channels!https://youtube.com/@Toadsmoothiehttps://youtube.com/@LlamaD2#Destiny2 #DestinyPodcast #BungieListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and join the conversation in the comments below.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Chapters0:00 – Intro & Cold Open Highlights1:10 – Welcome & Guest Intros: LlamaD2 & ToadSmoothie2:22 – Housekeeping & What's Coming to the Channel2:52 – Recapping Renegades & The Mid-Season Delay4:22 – How Has the Drought Been? Toad's Experience & Destiny 1 Resurgence6:41 – Llama's Headspace: Staying Consistent During the Content Lull7:56 – Bungie's History With Delays — Will They Cook Again?9:23 – Community Spotlight: Raid Nights, Sherpas & Keeping the Vibe Alive12:02 – Toad Gets Real: "I Don't Really Play Destiny 2 Right Now"14:30 – Raid Weapon Overhaul — Worth It? Or Missing the Point?17:58 – Are Old Raids Actually Coming Back?20:08 – The Vanilla D2 Problem: Bungie Can't Even Play the Original Game22:10 – Bungie's Split Focus: 800 Devs & More Than Half Are on Marathon23:36 – Marathon Impressions — Did It Land for These Creators?35:04 – Can Bungie Actually Multitask? Divided Attention Discussion37:35 – Marathon vs. Destiny: Nimble Backend, Better Communication39:49 – The Case for a Fresh Start — What Destiny 3 Could Learn From Marathon41:00 – "Capital B Bungie" — Accountability, Staff Turnover & Sony's Role44:43 – Llama's Cope: Is Bungie Saving All the Fixes for June?46:02 – COPIUM SEGMENT: What Are We Hoping to See From Shadow in Order?49:35 – Toad's Wishlist: Old Raids, SRL, Combined Arms & Destiny 352:02 – Llama's Wishlist: Full Raid Restoration & Bringing Back the Director55:45 – What the Reveal NEEDS to Tell Us: A "Destiny Next" Moment1:00:28 – Pantheon 2.0 & What a Witness Encounter Could Look Like1:01:13 – We Need a Clear Villain — Hive Storyline, Zavala, Crow & Loose Ends1:05:46 – The Ahamkara Eggs Nobody's Talking About & Destiny Rising's Secret Raid1:09:00 – The Light & Dark Saga Isn't Over — Why Did Bungie Move On So Fast?1:15:18 – Bungie "Ended" a Saga That Wasn't Finished1:16:16 – Sax's Final Hope1:19:23 – Would They Call It Destiny 3? The Naming Debate1:22:28 – The Open API Problem: Killing Destiny's Mystery From the Inside1:27:03 – There Are Still Destiny Players Out There — They're Just Waiting1:27:35 – Introducing LlamaD2's "Missing Supers" Video — The Chess Move1:29:09 – Behind the Scenes: How the Darkness Supers Concept Was Born1:33:06 – How ToadSmoothie Got Pulled Into the Project1:35:06 – Reacting to the Animations1:36:38 – The Strand Hunter Lasso Inspiration1:44:16 – Strand Titan Minigun Deep Dive1:51:03 – "What If This Is the Last Update Destiny Ever Gets?"1:52:33 – Final Shoutouts, Closing Thoughts & Channel Milestone Update1:54:16 – Outro

Diffizzle​⁠ is back, and this time, he’s not just a Destiny 2 PvP God… he’s one of the TOP Marathon players in the world.After becoming the World’s First Pinnacle One player and first to hit Level 100, Diffizzle joins me for a deep dive into what it actually takes to compete at the highest level of Marathon, and what the game looks like from the top 0.1%.We break down everything:- The grind required to reach World First status- Transitioning from Destiny 2 to Marathon (and rebuilding an audience)- The current META, best loadouts, and high-level gameplay- The reality of ranked play—including cheating at the top ranks- Bungie’s communication, updates, and long-term direction- Cryo Archive and why it might be the BEST extraction shooter map ever created- And the big question… is Marathon built to last?Diffizzle also shares what separates elite players from everyone else—and why most creators aren’t willing to “get uncomfortable” to succeed in a new game.This is an honest, unfiltered look at Marathon from someone who has put in hundreds of hours at the highest level—including ranked, endgame content, and everything in between.If you’re a Destiny player thinking about Marathon… or already grinding ranked—this is a must-watch.My Original episode with Diffizzle: https://youtu.be/Heo4ehiVOgkCheck out the Marathon 1.0.6 Patch Notes: https://www.bungie.net/7/en/News/Article/marathon_update_106▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬0:00 – World First Goals & What It Took to Achieve Them0:47 – Intro: Diffizzle Returns (Part 2 Begins)1:18 – The Marathon Grindset (3 Months Later)2:30 – Bridging Destiny 2 → Marathon Audience3:12 – Marathon Now Outperforming Destiny on Stream4:10 – Is Destiny Hurting Marathon’s Success?5:13 – Bungie Reputation & Player Trust6:10 – Apex Experience & Rebuilding a Community7:40 – Passion vs Burnout in Live Service Games8:14 – Housekeeping + Channel Growth Push9:24 – Mid-Season Update Context9:45 – World First Achievements Explained10:36 – “Get Uncomfortable” – What It Really Means11:30 – What It Takes to Stand Out as a Creator12:50 – Starting Over Without Destiny Reputation14:10 – Playing with Pro Players (Apex / Valorant)16:00 – Does Marathon Have Esports Potential?18:40 – PvP Finally Feels Supported (Unlike Destiny)20:20 – Bungie Communication vs Destiny Era22:26 – Experimental Playlists Explained23:30 – Duos Mode & Player Feedback24:10 – Free Kit Friction & Casual Player Pain Points25:45 – Mercy Kits vs Self-Revive (Not Worth It?)27:00 – Is Marathon Becoming Too Casual?28:40 – Catch-Up Systems & Carry Mechanics30:00 – Is Marathon Too Hardcore for Most Players?33:00 – Staying Alive After Losing Everything34:10 – Best Loadouts Right Now (Top Player POV)35:30 – Why the Waster is Dominating36:00 – Knife Balance & Close Combat Issues37:30 – Playing Ranked While Streaming38:20 – The Cheating Problem (REAL Discussion)40:00 – High Rank Lobbies Are Infested41:40 – Why Top Players Are Quitting42:20 – Bungie Needs Transparency44:00 – “Show Don’t Tell” – Player Frustration46:30 – Why Trust Is Breaking Down49:00 – Monetization & Incentives50:10 – Teaming, Boosting & Ranked Abuse51:30 – Spawn System Debate (Predictability vs Fairness)53:00 – What is Cryo Archive?54:00 – Best Map in Extraction Shooters?55:30 – Accessibility vs Difficulty Debate57:00 – Why Struggle Matters58:30 – “Dark Souls FPS” Feeling1:00:00 – Why Marathon Feels Unique1:08:45 – Steam Charts & Player Count Debate1:10:00 – “Game is Dying” Narrative1:11:30 – Marathon vs Destiny Community Divide1:13:00 – Is Marathon to Blame for Destiny’s State?1:16:50 – Hindsight & Bungie Decisions1:18:00 – Alternate Timeline: Destiny vs Marathon1:19:30 – Patch 1.0.6 Overview1:20:30 – Best Changes (Weapons, Balance, Systems)1:21:30 – What Still Needs Work1:26:20 – Closing Thoughts1:27:00 – Upcoming Projects & Content1:29:00 – Outro

In this 1-on-1 podcast, I sit down with Above, a long-time Destiny 2 content creator who made the bold transition into the Extraction Shooter genre with games like Arc Raiders and Bungie’s Marathon.We dive deep into:- Why Destiny 2 creators are moving on- How Arc Raiders exploded at launch- What Marathon gets right (and wrong)- The future of PvP and extraction shooters- The reality of being a full-time content creatorAbove shares his journey from creating Grandmaster guides and endgame Destiny content to finding a new passion in high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled gameplay.If you’ve been wondering whether Extraction Shooters are the future of gaming, this conversation breaks it all down.👍 Like, subscribe, and join the community for more creator conversations and gaming coverage!▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬0:00 – Intro & Meet Above3:00 – The Grandmaster Gauntlet Origin Story6:20 – The Decline of Destiny PvP Creators8:00 – How Marathon Is Filling the PvP Gap10:00 – Loot Fatigue & Destiny Burnout11:30 – Bungie Communication: Destiny vs Marathon14:00 – Do Studios Actually Listen to Players?17:30 – Arc Raiders vs Marathon Philosophy20:30 – Arc Raiders Launch Was a “Tsunami”22:30 – Why Above Went All-In on Arc Raiders25:00 – The Grind Behind Viral Content Success28:00 – 1M+ Views & Channel Explosion30:00 – Falling in Love with Marathon (After Doubt)31:30 – Bridging Destiny, Tarkov & Apex Communities34:00 – Why “Steam Charts” Don’t Tell the Full Story35:00 – Arc Raiders PvP vs PvE Identity37:00 – Matchmaking & Player Behavior Systems39:00 – Why Extraction Shooters Feel Addictive41:00 – The Inventory Problem (All Extraction Games Have It)43:00 – Why Destiny Needed Real Competition46:00 – Marathon’s Biggest Weakness (Early Game)48:00 – Arc Raiders vs Marathon: What Each Lacks50:00 – Endgame Depth Problems in Arc Raiders52:00 – Why Tarkov Still Sets the Standard54:00 – Casual vs Hardcore Balance in Modern Games56:00 – The Importance of Long-Term Progression Systems57:15 – Limited-Time Events: Good or Bad Design?58:30 – Cryo Archive vs Ranked Mode Debate1:00:30 – Should Ranked Always Be Available?1:01:30 – Cryo Loot Economy & Risk vs Reward1:03:00 – Cryo Design: RNG, Keys & Frustration Points1:05:00 – Boss Design & Extraction Flow (Exfil Debate)1:07:20 – How Cryo Compares to Destiny Day 1 Experiences1:09:00 – Learning Curve & High-Level Strategy Evolution1:10:20 – The “Aha Moment” of Mastering Extraction Games1:12:15 – Final Thoughts on Arc Raiders & Marathon1:13:30 – Advice for Destiny Players Entering Extraction Shooters1:14:30 – The Reality of Being a Content Creator1:17:00 – Playing Games for Content vs Enjoyment1:19:00 – How Metrics & Sponsorships Shape Decisions1:21:00 – The Hidden Pressure of Viewership & Growth1:23:00 – Why Creators Stay in Games Too Long1:25:00 – Community Fragmentation After Destiny1:27:20 – The Business Side of Streaming (Ads, Deals, Income)1:29:30 – Variety Streaming vs Niche Content Risk1:31:00 – Fatherhood, Life Priorities & Career Reflection1:32:00 – The Reality of Growth (Peaks, Valleys & Timing)1:34:00 – Advice for Small Creators Trying to Break Through1:36:00 – When to Pivot Games as a Creator1:38:00 – Building a Personal Brand Beyond One Game1:39:00 – Telling the “Story” of Your Channel1:41:00 – Final Thoughts on Content Creation & the Future1:44:00 – Closing Reflections & Outro▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames

In this episode, I sit down with Lumi, a Destiny 2 and Marathon content creator who began her journey on Twitch and is now expanding to TikTok and YouTube. We dive deep into what it really takes to grow as a gaming creator — from streaming to three viewers, overcoming social anxiety, and building a loyal community, to becoming a Twitch Partner and navigating multi-platform content creation.We also discuss the challenges creators face today, including platform differences, toxic chat culture, monetization realities, and why Twitch growth works differently than YouTube or TikTok.If you’re a Destiny 2 player, Marathon fan, or aspiring content creator wondering how to start streaming or grow your channel, this conversation is packed with honest insights and practical advice.Topics Covered:- How Lumi started streaming- Growing from hobby to full-time creator- Twitch Partner realities & income changes- Multistreaming to YouTube & TikTok- Community building strategies- Handling toxic chat environments- Marathon gameplay impressions & expectations- Advice for new creators starting todayIf you enjoy creator conversations like this, consider liking and subscribing — it helps more than you know.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 – Just Start Streaming (Lumi’s Core Advice)00:28 – Introducing Lumi & Her Content Journey01:50 – Becoming a Destiny 2 Creator02:47 – How Gaming Started (Family & Early Games)04:07 – Discovering Twitch for the First Time05:42 – Streaming to 3 Viewers & Early Struggles06:32 – Overcoming Social Anxiety Through Streaming08:13 – Advice for New Streamers09:32 – Skills You Should Build Before Growth Happens12:06 – Consistency vs Long Streams13:25 – Twitch Affiliate & Partner Reality14:07 – What Changed After Becoming Partner16:34 – Expanding Beyond Twitch17:12 – Moving Into YouTube & TikTok (and Why It’s Scary)18:54 – YouTube Growth vs Twitch Growth22:10 – Consistency and Algorithm Signals23:45 – Multistreaming Experiences24:46 – TikTok vs Twitch vs YouTube Chat25:46 – Dealing with Toxicity as a Creator26:49 – Building a Healthy Community35:22 – Creator Collaboration & Networking37:00 – Meeting Other Destiny Creators1:00:23 – Marathon Gameplay Discussion Begins1:12:36 – Why Marathon Has So Much Depth1:14:07 – Playtests, First Impressions & Expectations1:16:01 – What Makes Marathon Exciting▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgames Follow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames

On February 18th, Bungie Delayed the upcoming Mid-Season Major Update, "Shadow and Order" until the Middle of June (more than 3 months away from now. Though they outlined some of the items we can expect with that update, many players, including @LlamaD2 and @saxplaysgames have their doubts about what this means for the future of the Franchise and our Channels as a whole.In this episode, we analyze the recent delays and communication issues surrounding Destiny 2's Shadow and Order update. We explore Bungie's content strategy, community sentiment, and the future of the game, while offering deep insights into the challenges of live service game development. We also explore the future of Destiny 2, comparing upcoming updates to the Age of Triumph, and speculate on Destiny 3's development. We dive deep into:• Bungie's communication strategy and its impact• Community sentiment and reaction to delays• Future plans for Destiny 2 and upcoming updates Destiny 2 updates and content plans• Comparison to Age of Triumph in Destiny 1• Community sentiment and player engagement• Potential development of Destiny 3 and future projectsIf you’re a returning player, a burned-out veteran, or someone wondering if Destiny 2 is worth coming back to, this conversation is for you.Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, and join the conversation in the comments below.Check out Llama's Channel Here: https://youtube.com/@LlamaD2▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 - Introduction and Context Setting02:55 - The State of Renegades and Community Sentiment05:46 - The Edge of Fate Reveal and Initial Reactions08:57 - Communication Issues and Community Expectations12:02 - The Impact of Sony's Acquisition on Bungie's Communication15:03 - The Roadmap and Future Expectations18:00 - The Ash and Iron Update and Community Response20:49 - Nerfs and Gameplay Changes24:08 - Looking Ahead: Future of Destiny 233:10 - Exploring the Renegades Reveal36:42 - Nostalgia and Missed Opportunities in Destiny39:29 - The Impact of SIVA and Player Sentiment44:40 - Bungie's Communication and Update Delays49:32 - Comparing Destiny 2's Future to Age of Triumph55:13 - Speculating on Destiny 3's Direction01:02:33 - Exploring New Narratives Beyond Star Wars01:04:44 - The Future of Destiny and Marathon01:07:56 - Community Sentiment and Game Reception01:11:49 - The Impact of Marathon on Destiny Creators01:17:22 - The Future of Destiny: A Deep Dive into Destiny 301:28:18 - Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgames Follow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames

What does it actually look like to cover Destiny 2 as a professional games journalist?In this in-depth one-on-one conversation, I sit down with Ryan Gilliam, former Destiny beat writer at Polygon and co-founder of the independent publication Rogue.site, to unpack what it means to cover a live service game for over a decade.We dive deep into:- The reality of writing guides for games like Destiny 2, Elden Ring, and Persona- The pressure of SEO and Google optimization in modern games journalism- How Destiny 2 launched as a mainstream phenomenon- The blurred lines between journalism and content creation- What happened when Polygon was sold — and how Rogue was born- The ethics, burnout, and behind-the-scenes logistics of guide writingIf you’ve ever wondered how raid guides get written, how journalists prepare for major expansions like The Final Shape or Shadow of the Erdtree, or what it’s like to make a living covering Destiny — this episode pulls back the curtain.If you enjoy conversations like this, make sure to subscribe and join our growing community.My name is Sax — and until next time… Be Blessed.Check out Rogue Here!: https://www.rogue.site▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 – Intro & Welcoming Ryan Gilliam03:20 – Early Career & Breaking Into Games Journalism07:45 – Becoming Polygon’s “Destiny Guy”12:15 – Covering Destiny 1 at Launch16:40 – Destiny 2’s Mainstream Explosion21:10 – The Responsibility of Writing Raid & Expansion Guides25:30 – What Guide Writing Actually Looks Like Behind the Scenes30:05 – Learning SEO & Writing for Google34:50 – Persona 5 & Developing Guide Systems39:15 – Handling Massive Launch Windows & Crunch44:30 – Elden Ring & Shadow of the Erdtree Deadline Pressure49:20 – Beating Huge Games on Review Timelines54:10 – The Burnout of Live Service Coverage59:00 – The Emotional Cost of Being “The Destiny Journalist”1:03:45 – Journalism vs. Content Creation (Creators vs. Media)1:08:30 – The Economics of Games Media1:13:20 – The Sale of Polygon & Industry Layoffs1:18:10 – Leaving Polygon & What That Transition Felt Like1:23:00 – Founding Rogue.site1:28:15 – The Risk of Going Independent1:32:40 – Building a Sustainable Media Model1:37:30 – Escape Will Make Me Pod & Marathon Coverage1:42:15 – Longform Podcasting vs Written Journalism1:47:10 – Advice for Aspiring Games Journalists1:51:20 – The Future of Games Media1:55:10 – Destiny’s Evolution & Final Reflections1:59:00 – Closing Thoughts & Sign Off▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgames Follow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames

In this episode, Sax sits down with @Diffizzle one of Destiny 2’s most dedicated PvP creators and a top 0.1% Trials player with over 4,000 flawless cards.We dive deep into Diffizzle’s journey—from playing Halo at age four to becoming a full-time Destiny PvP grinder streaming 10–12 hours a day—and what it really takes to survive as a creator in today’s Destiny ecosystem.This conversation pulls no punches. We talk about the current state of Destiny 2 PvP, whether Bungie has effectively put it on life support, the lack of meaningful PvP endgame pursuits, and how power progression changes have reshaped the game—for better or worse.Diffizzle also gives rare insight into the paid carries / “generosity” controversy, Bungie’s inconsistent enforcement, and how unclear rules directly impact creator livelihoods.We wrap up by discussing Marathon, Destiny’s future, whether PvP can realistically be saved, and what would actually need to change for Destiny to regain momentum.If you care about Trials, Crucible, creator life, or the long-term future of Destiny 2—this is a must-watch conversation.Check out Diffizzle's Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@Diffizzle▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 - Opening01:13 - Introduction to Diffizzle03:06 - Early Gaming Experiences06:10 - Transitioning to Streaming13:36 - Content Creation Landscape18:32 - Current State of Destiny 2 PvP26:18 - Challenges in Content Creation33:15 - The State of Power Leveling34:39 - Community Feedback and Bungie's Response38:38 - The Impact of Creator Events41:19 - Looking Ahead: The Future of Destiny55:30 - Paid Carries and Community Dynamics01:00:13 - The Trials of Destiny: A Comparison of D1 and D201:06:01 - The Edge of Fate and Weapon Dynamics01:10:04 - Community Reactions and Gameplay Challenges01:18:25 - Lighthearted Discussions: Favorite Exotics and Meta01:24:58 - The State of Cheating in Destiny 201:29:00 - Looking Ahead: Future Streams and Content▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgames Follow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames

In this Destiny 2 Creator one-on-one conversation, I am joined by Skarrow to discuss his 11-year journey with Destiny, from solving some of the game’s most iconic ARGs and puzzles to balancing full-time content creation while earning his PhD in Chemistry.Skarrow opens up about discovering Destiny after growing up with limited internet access, how his passion for puzzles shaped his channel, how a secret Portal on Io Changed his lifeand what it was really like streaming Corridors of Time for 12–16 hours straight while attending graduate school.We also dive into how marriage, community support, and creative outlets helped him survive burnout, and why Destiny content creation has always been about more than money.The conversation also explores the current state of Destiny 2, Bungie’s evolving design philosophy, the Portal system, dungeon and raid difficulty, and whether the Destiny community has fundamentally changed over time.If you enjoyed this conversation, consider liking the video, subscribing, and joining the discussion in the comments.Check out Skarrow's Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@Skarrow9▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 - Opening00:30 - Introduction to Skarrow and His Journey03:19 - Skarrow's Gaming Background and Early Influences06:27 - Transition to Content Creation09:18 - Balancing YouTube and Academia12:30 - Reflections on Early Streaming Experiences15:26 - The Impact of Personal Relationships on Career18:31 - The Evolution of Destiny and Community Dynamics31:22 - The Role of Community Feedback in Game Development50:37 - Community Engagement and Charity Initiatives57:17 - A Walk Down Destiny Memory Lane01:02:14 - Puzzles and Community Engagement01:04:17 - The Whisper Mission01:07:39 - Escalation Protocol01:09:48 - The Wish Wall01:11:30 - Niobe Lab01:16:48 - Corridors of Time01:20:29 - The Imbaru Engine01:22:54 - The Weightgate Revelation01:28:53 - Chessity01:36:20 - The Impact of Destiny on Personal Lives▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Topics include:- Destiny ARGs & puzzle solving- Balancing a PhD, marriage, and content creation- Bungie feedback, community summits, and NDAs- Burnout, motivation, and creative longevity- The future of Destiny 2 and Bungie

In this episode, Sax sits down again with ⁠Aegis one of Destiny 2’s most trusted damage analysts and speedrunning experts, to break down everything surrounding Contest Mode Equilibrium, the launch of Renegades, and the evolving philosophy behind Destiny 2’s endgame difficulty.In this episode we dive deep into:- The Contraverse Hold +Handheld Supernova damage chunking bug used during the World’s First race- Why Contest Mode boss health is no longer just about Power Delta- How Bungie now custom tunes encounter HP behind the scenes- The real difference between exploit vs fair play in PvE races- Dungeon file leaks, Blender models, and race integrity- Why Equilibrium feels more replayable than recent dungeons- Damage checks, burst DPS, Wolfsbane, Parasite, and Finality- Speedrunning tech, eager edge swords, and movement optimization- Why Destiny’s endgame may be shifting toward curated difficultyWhether you're chasing contest clears, optimizing your DPS, or just trying to understand what happened during the Equilibrium world first race, this episode has everything you need to know!Watch Aegis’ full damage breakdown videos at the links below:https://youtu.be/Qfr3YUtxb2c?si=SgJOWwTap-oweKVFhttps://youtu.be/TJkL-gHCrX8?si=3PeMaWA1qB04re4Nhttps://youtu.be/cvgK3Tt1Arg?si=rn4_HfSbbivG81I6▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬0:00 - Intro1:26 - Equilibrium World First & Handheld Supernova Exploit15:22 - Dungeon File Leaks & Race Integrity27:00 - Contest Mode HP Tuning Deep Dive37:00 - Dungeon Weapons & Loot Discussion42:00 - Praxic Blade (Lightsaber) Review57:00 - State of Renegades & Heat Weapons1:01:00 - PvP Invasions & Lawless Frontier1:12:00 - Sandbox Power Creep Discussion1:16:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgames Follow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames

In today's Destiny 2 Creator conversation, I am joined by fellow Content Creator @Toadsmoothie to discuss his journey from a casual gamer to a prominent content creator in the #destiny2 community.We discuss his early gaming influences, the transition from game enjoyer to YouTuber, and the importance of community in shaping his content. He emphasizes the significance of optimism in the gaming community, the challenges of content creation, and his aspirations for the future, including his passion for animation and storytelling.The discussion also touches on the dynamics of group content creation and the desire for a refresh in the Destiny franchise.Check out ToadSmoothie’s Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC-JxNT_QMGUCXClXIdJgZLQ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 – Opening00:50 – Introducing ToadSmoothie03:56 – The Spark: From Playing Destiny to Creating Content05:51 – Early YouTube Attempts and Finding Momentum09:59 – The Origins of Toad’s Core Friend Group10:59 – Building a Cast of Characters on the Channel13:20 – How the Friend Dynamic Shapes His Videos14:15 – Challenges, Group Identity & Editing Realities18:43 – Burnout, Balance, and Creator Mental Health20:42 – Finding His Niche: Humor, Challenges, & Optimism25:19 – Sax’s Story About LFG, Friend Groups, and Destiny Longevity25:44 – Why So Few Players Raid & the Importance of Community29:46 – Wrath of the Machine, SIVA, and Bungie’s Decisions34:27 – Destiny’s Complexity, Game Size, and Seasonal Issues33:45 – Portal Rotators, Bugs, and Frustrations With Loot Systems34:10 – Barrow-Dyad Confusion & Returning Items45:41 – Handling Negativity in Comments & Protecting Your Community51:00 – The Hidden Workload of Being a YouTuber56:58 – Choosing Challenging Content & Owning the Grind58:41 – Toad’s Animated Series “Redacted” — Origins & Vision59:48 – Early Animation Attempts: From Petra’s Run to Riven01:01:39 – Showing the Motion Capture Suit & Behind-the-Scenes Setup01:02:0 – The Tech Behind His MoCap Workflow01:11:54 – Accepting the Ceiling of Destiny Content & Future Goals01:13:36 – Why Animation Keeps Him Motivated During Droughts01:23:04 – Big Picture Destiny Talk: Torobatl, Prismatic, and Reinvention01:23:54 – The Need for Mid-Difficulty Content & PvE Balance01:25:16 – Creative Ideas for Kinetic Subclass and Destination Abilities01:26:08 – Thoughts on Future Content, Renegades, and Game Direction▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgames Follow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames

Join me for an in-depth discussion with MossyMax, one of the most trusted names in Destiny 2 data analysis and testing! If you've ever benefited from accurate weapon damage comparisons, understood how scaling works, or followed a content creator's build guide, chances are MossyMax’s work at least partially assisted in its creation.In this episode, we explore:- How frustration with inconsistent testing led to a data science career in Destiny- The truth about Carl (he's NOT actually a boss!) and why it matters for weapon testing- Behind-the-scenes influence on Bungie's patch notes and communication- The controversy around Final Shape's solar surge that almost ruined raids- Advice for aspiring Destiny scientists and data analysts- Destiny Rising vs Destiny 2: complementary games or competition?- The mystery of High Impact Reserves and unsolved problems in Destiny scienceWhether you're a hardcore raider, a casual player, or someone fascinated by the systems running beneath your favorite game, this conversation offers unique insights into what makes Destiny tick.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgames Follow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 - Welcome Mossy_Max!02:33 - What Inspired Mossy's Data Science Journey04:50 - How has the Firing Range Changed Testing 07:49 - Damage Scaling & Number Changes10:13 - Personal Background12:15 - Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists17:25 - Influence on Bungie21:38 - Raid Surges Discussion24:13 - Data-Driven Community29:46 - Destiny Rising Comparison35:04 - Platform & Future Discussion42:03 - Favorite Myth Busted45:45 - Dream Graph & White Whale50:52 - Closing Thoughts▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Join me for an in-depth conversation with Court, the creative mind behind Destiny's most recognizable and widely distributed infographics! If you've ever used a champion stunning guide, referenced a damage stacking chart, or benefited from clear visual breakdowns of complex game mechanics, Court's work has made your Guardian life easier.In this episode, we explore:- How retail burnout led to becoming Destiny's premier visual designer- The philosophy behind creating infographics and the audience they're made for- Working as Llama's production manager and creating 75+ graphics for viral videos- Co-hosting the PvE Podcast and reaching 160 episodes- The creative process behind the Portal redesign video that sparked community-wide discussion- Behind-the-scenes collaboration with Bungie developers on community podcastsWhy reaching out to creators matters more than you think- Combating burnout through adjacent content creationWhether you're a content creator looking for inspiration, a designer curious about the craft, or a Guardian who appreciates the visual guides that make Destiny more accessible, this conversation reveals the dedication behind the graphics you see every day.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Join my Discord! - https://discord.gg/saxplaysgames Follow my Twitch! - https://twitch.tv/saxplaysgamesFollow my TikTok! - https://tiktok.com/@saxplaysgamesFollow my Twitter! - https://x.com/saxplaysgames ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 - Welcome Court03:10 - Court's Journey: From New Light to Creating Infographics20:41 - The Philosophy Behind the Work40:21 - Working with @LlamaD2 | A Creative Partnership58:00 - The Portal Redesign Video1:13:40 - PvE Podcast: 160 Episodes Strong1:22:05 - Collaborating with Bungie Developers1:35:12 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Court▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬My Gaming/Streaming SetupAudio Interface - Elgato Stream Deck XLR - https://amzn.to/4mUPFUfMic - Shure SM7B - https://amzn.to/4pg5g2eMic Arm - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP - https://amzn.to/4piUhVOCamera - https://amzn.to/46dic0eElgato Key Light - https://amzn.to/4gtggFBCapture Card - https://amzn.to/48aEmCMGaming Keyboard - Logitech G915 X - https://amzn.to/46hnckvGaming Mouse - Logitech G502 X Plus - https://amzn.to/3JY9uvy▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Destiny 2 is a free-to-play online multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Bungie. Set in a sci-fi universe, players assume the role of Guardians, protectors of Earth's last city, who wield unique powers granted by a mysterious force called the Light. The game features a blend of PvE (player versus environment) and PvP (player versus player) content, including cooperative strikes, raids, and competitive multiplayer modes. Players can explore various planets, complete quests, level up their characters, and acquire new weapons and gear, all while unraveling an ever-expanding narrative filled with cosmic threats and alien enemies.#destiny2 #destiny2coaching #destiny2sherpa #destiny2dungeon #destiny2raids #destiny2endgame #destiny2pve #destiny2theedgeoffate #destiny2memes #destiny2exotics #destiny2gameplay #destiny2community #destiny2players #destiny2newlight #destiny2veterans #destiny #bungie #destiny2guides #destiny2builds #destiny2titan #destiny2warlock #destiny2hunter #destiny2dps #destiny2news #destiny2twid