Anticipation for Destiny: Rising has reached fever pitch as NetEase confirms more than 10 million players have already pre-registered ahead of its launch later this month.
The mobile spin on Bungie’s iconic franchise is set to arrive on August 28, marking one of the most ambitious releases in mobile gaming this year.
Originally unveiled in October 2024, Destiny: Rising has steadily built hype among both long-time Destiny fans and newcomers. NetEase, which holds the license from Bungie, has sweetened the deal with milestone rewards for early sign-ups, culminating in an exotic ornament now unlocked thanks to the staggering 10 million mark. To keep momentum high, the company also dropped a new trailer showcasing Gwynn the Reaper, a brand-new character who will be available at launch.
While the numbers are a clear win for NetEase, the news casts an awkward shadow on Bungie. The studio has struggled to reignite excitement around its own projects: Destiny 2: Edge of Fate expansion landed without much buzz, and the attempted revival of Marathon remains clouded by controversy. In contrast, NetEase is stacking wins, already riding the success of Marvel Rivals and now preparing to roll out what could be the biggest Destiny-branded release in years.
With the countdown to launch entering its final stretch, all eyes are on how Destiny: Rising will perform once millions of mobile guardians flood the servers. Whether it reshapes the Destiny franchise’s reputation or becomes another fleeting hit, one thing is clear: NetEase has managed to capture lightning in a bottle.