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

In this episode, I sit down with rising short-form content creator  @JampackSam  to break down his journey from early YouTube uploads to building a thriving presence across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram!We dive deep into what it really takes to succeed in short-form content, covering everything from consistency and daily routines to avoiding clickbait, building a loyal audience, and staying authentic in a fast-moving algorithm-driven world.Sam shares his full content creation workflow, including how he finds trending topics, scripts videos, edits efficiently, and posts across multiple platforms. We also talk about the realities of creator burnout, the importance of long-term thinking, and why most people misunderstand what it takes to grow online.If you're a content creator (or thinking about becoming one) this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can apply today!▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬If you enjoy these long-form conversations:👍 Like the video💬 Drop a comment🔔 Subscribe for more Gaming Content ConversationsWe are less than 100 subscribers away from full monetization on YouTube! Please consider subscribing TODAY! ✅Check out JampackSam's Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@Jampacksam▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬0:00 — Intro & Who Is JampackSam?4:18 — The Daily Schedule & Consistency Mindset5:59 — Sam's Rigorous Schedule!7:20 — Why Consistency Is About Showing Up for Your Silent Audience10:03 — How Sam Finds Shorts Topics11:51 — Finding Success While Avoiding Clickbait14:34 — Covering Negative Gaming News Responsibly19:38 — The Helldivers 2 Video That Aged Poorly — and the Lesson It Taught21:36 — The Pivot: From Long-Form Podcast Host to Short-Form Creator23:47 — How TikTok & YouTube Shorts Changed Sam's Entire Strategy28:31 — What Makes a Great Short? Sam's Full Production Workflow29:40 — Using Notion for Content Calendars & Editorial Planning31:04 — Scripting Every Video, Using an Elgato Prompter & Recording Tips32:55 — Editing in DaVinci Resolve, Templates, and CapCut for Captions35:26 — Desktop vs. Mobile Uploads: What Actually Matters for Each Platform38:01 — Cross-Posting the Same Content to TikTok, YouTube & Instagram44:20 — Advice for Early Creators: Start with What You Have46:22 — Learning by Doing53:22 — Staying Variety vs. Niching Down54:37 — Visiting Halo Studios & Getting Early Access to Games58:53 — How Brand Deals & Talent Agencies Work for Mid-Size Creators01:01:22 — Filtering 30–50 Emails a Day from Brands (and What He Actually Takes)01:04:17 — Joining Right Click & When to Get Management Help01:10:27 — Going Solo vs. Building a Team — Sam's Future Plans01:15:32 — The Importance of Community & Engaging Your Audience01:19:26 — Rapid Fire Questions01:22:24 — How to Break Through a Plateau01:23:43 — The Power of the Hook01:24:10 — Reaction Content & Why Sam Changed His Mind on It!01:29:23 — How Smaller Creators Can Get Developer Access & Early Game Keys01:30:50 — How to get noticed by Game Developers and Brands01:34:51 — Breaking Down Sam's Top Viral Shorts01:50:00 — Closing Advice

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 Danfinity—a long-time creator in the Destiny 2 community—to talk about content creation, podcasting, and the realities behind building a sustainable career online.We dive deep into Dan’s 10-year journey from early gaming roots to becoming a Twitch partner, raising over $50,000 for charity, and hosting one of the most recognizable podcasts in the Destiny space. This conversation explores the evolution of podcast production, how to build a loyal community, and the truth about consistency, burnout, and comparison in the creator world.We also tackle the current state of Destiny 2, the importance of remembering the “human experience” behind game development, and why creators need to focus on purpose over algorithms.If you're a new or aspiring content creator—or a Destiny fan trying to reconnect with why you love the game—this episode is for you.👇 Let me know in the comments:What’s the biggest challenge YOU face as a creator right now?▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬0:00 – The emotional reality behind gaming & creativity0:32 – Introducing Danfinity (Destiny Digest host)1:09 – Transitioning to full-time content creation3:39 – Danfinity’s gaming origin story (Atari to PlayStation)6:07 – How gaming turned into content creation10:48 – Music vs gaming: creative passion parallels14:41 – Perfectionism and finding your creative voice17:06 – Podcasting as “putting on a show”18:00 – The danger of comparison for creators20:26 – Building a positive gaming community21:40 – Destiny friendships and LFG experiences23:21 – Growing a Twitch community from scratch25:04 – The raid that changed everything (growth moment)27:08 – Why consistency is the #1 growth factor29:05 – Twitch-first vs YouTube-first strategies31:20 – Balancing content creation with real life32:44 – “Seasons of life” and creator expectations33:49 – The current state of Destiny 235:44 – Understanding the human side of game devs38:36 – Why podcasting matters for creators39:24 – Danfinity’s podcasting journey (10+ years)42:26 – Early podcast struggles & production mistakes44:50 – Simplifying your workflow over time47:04 – Current podcast setup (OBS, Twitch tools)49:53 – Why less editing can be better51:14 – Don’t overspend on gear as a new creator53:07 – Learning tools vs chasing perfection56:30 – CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, and editing workflows59:19 – Efficient content creation systems1:01:12 – Creating a podcast format that works1:03:30 – Structuring conversations for engagement1:05:45 – Being the “guide” vs the “expert” in podcasts1:08:10 – How to ask better questions as a host1:10:32 – Creating natural chemistry with guests1:12:48 – Why authenticity beats overproduction1:15:05 – Audience retention: what keeps people watching1:17:20 – Turning conversations into content (clips, shorts)1:19:40 – Growing a podcast in a saturated space1:21:55 – Leveraging community to scale content1:24:10 – Mistakes creators make when starting podcasts1:26:25 – Long-form vs short-form content strategy1:28:40 – Avoiding burnout while staying consistent1:30:55 – Why purpose matters more than algorithms1:32:10 – Final advice for new and aspiring creators1:33:10 – Why community is everything1:33:50 – Outro & where to find Danfinity▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬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 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

The Division 2 is experiencing a massive resurgence in 2026—but what actually caused it?In this one-on-one podcast, I sit down with Rogue Gold, one of the most trusted voices in The Division community, to break down how the game survived years of uncertainty, what brought players back, and what Destiny players can learn from it.We dive into:- The Division 2’s 18-month content drought and how it survived- Why the community stayed loyal when others left- Ubisoft & Massive’s approach to player feedback- The real reason behind the game’s recent surge in popularity- Differences between The Division and Destiny communities- What makes a live service game actually lastWhether you're a returning player, a Destiny veteran, or just curious about live service games, this conversation gives real insight into what keeps a game alive long-term.If you enjoy these conversations, make sure to subscribe for more creator interviews and deep dives into the games we love.👍 Like, subscribe, and join the community for more creator conversations and Marathon coverage.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬0:00 – The Secret Behind Long-Term Live Service Games0:23 – Introducing Rogue Gold1:12 – First Impressions & Creator Background2:09 – How Rogue Gold Got Started3:08 – Early Gaming Journey (WoW, Destiny, Division)5:47 – Discovering YouTube & Content Creation7:07 – Starting a Channel During Division 17:35 – Early Struggles as a Creator9:20 – Finding the Right Content Balance10:05 – Toxicity vs Constructive Content in Gaming12:52 – Division 2 Creator Landscape Explained14:59 – Generations of Division Creators16:20 – Covering a Game During Its Worst Times18:20 – The 18-Month Content Drought Story20:31 – Why The Division Community Stayed Loyal21:05 – New Player Experience in 202623:29 – Why The Division Community Feels Different24:18 – Age Demographics & Community Behavior27:42 – Creating Content During Slow Periods30:03 – Ubisoft, Massive & Player Feedback33:34 – The “Seasonal Characters” Controversy36:06 – Devs ACTUALLY Listening to Players39:23 – Why The Division 2 Is Growing Again41:30 – The Perfect Storm (Destiny Slowdown + Exposure)42:44 – Massive’s Renewed Investment in The Division43:48 – New Player Perspective in 202647:12 – What Makes a Live Service Game Last?50:06 – Division 3 Speculation Segment Begins▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬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, 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

In this one-on-one creator podcast, Sax sits down with Marathon lore creator Jake the Alright to discuss Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter, the journey of building a YouTube channel around an unreleased game, and what it’s really like covering Marathon through controversy, delays, and community hype.We dive into Jake’s history with Bungie games, Halo nostalgia, Marathon’s deep sci-fi lore, early playtests, and how creators help shape gaming communities before launch.Whether you’re a Destiny player curious about Marathon or an extraction shooter fan preparing for release, this conversation breaks down everything you need to know.Topics include:Marathon lore & narrative directionBungie’s development challengesBuilding a gaming YouTube channel from scratchCreator authenticity & community growthServer Slam expectations and launch discussionIf you enjoy gaming podcasts, Bungie discussions, or creator interviews, this episode is for you.👍 Like, subscribe, and join the community for more creator conversations and Marathon coverage.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 - Introduction to the Creator Community02:32 - Jake's Journey in Gaming and Content Creation06:49 - First Encounters with Bungie and Marathon09:28 - The Evolution of Marathon and Its Impact13:40 - Building a Community Around Marathon20:38 - The Growth of Jake's Channel and Community Engagement25:55 - The Evolution of Marathon Content Creation30:29 - Authenticity in Content Creation34:04 - Anticipation for Marathon's Release41:04 - Navigating the Challenges of Game Development48:04 - The Intersection of Art and Business in Gaming51:46 - Livestream Dynamics and Community Engagement53:41 - Artistic Integrity and Controversy in Game Development57:01 - Bungie's Accountability and Community Response01:00:54 - Anticipation for Marathon's Launch and Community Expectations01:11:54 - Future Aspirations for Marathon and Community Growth

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

In today's conversation, Sax and Abaddon delve into the world of Destiny 2 content creation, exploring Abaddon's journey from a casual player to a prominent lore creator. They discuss the evolution of Destiny's narrative, the importance of finding inspiration, and the strategies behind selecting topics for videos.The conversation also touches on the future of Destiny, the potential for a Destiny 3, and the significance of audience engagement in content creation. Abaddon shares insights on the challenges and successes he has faced, emphasizing the need for evergreen content and the impact of shorts in reaching a wider audience.Check out Abaddon's Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@AbaddonD2▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 - Introduction to Destiny Lore Content Creation02:58 - Abaddon's Journey into Content Creation06:07 - Finding Inspiration and Defining Voice08:56 - Researching and Selecting Lore Topics11:44 - The Evolution of Destiny's Narrative15:04 - Content Creation Strategies and Audience Engagement17:53 - The Role of Nostalgia in Content20:55 - Monetization and Growth in Content Creation24:01 - The Future of Destiny Lore and Community Engagement36:51 - The Evolution of Cinematic Content Creation40:04 - Balancing Storytelling and Conciseness43:29 - The Importance of Summarization in Lore Videos45:18 - Proud Moments and Disappointments in Video Creation50:50 - Unexpected Successes and Failures in Content56:12 - The Future of Destiny and the Need for Destiny 3▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬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 conversation 1-on-1 Destiny 2 Creator Conversation, I delve into the intricacies of content creation within the Destiny 2 community with  ⁨@Legoleflash⁩ . Together, we explore his journey from a passionate player to becoming a content creator known for his cinematic deep dives into weapon mechanics, specifically fusion rifles.Throughout, Lego shares insights on targeting different player demographics and the significance of consistency and quality in building a successful channel. We also discuss the challenges of the creative process, the importance of packaging content effectively, and the evolution of Destiny content creators. Finally, we wrap up our conversation by answering the question at the forefront of everyone's mind... Should Bungie Make Destiny 3 or not?Thank you to  ⁨@Legoleflash⁩  for coming on the podcast, and thank you for listening!Check out Lego's Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@Legoleflash▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 – Introduction01:45 – Legoleflash’s Destiny 2 Content Philosophy04:10 – From Cinematic Destiny Videos to Weapon Deep Dives07:00 – Why Stats, Perks, and Details Matter More Than “Feel”11:30 – Designing Guides for Average Players14:30 – YouTube vs Podcasts: Where Growth Really Happens17:40 – Titles, Thumbnails, and Packaging That Actually Works23:00 – Creative Control, Authority, and Platform Limitations28:00 – Streaming, Sherpas, and Community Building31:00 – Branding, Cadence, and Knowing When a Video Is Done34:00 – Cutting Perfectionism to Create More40:00 – The Three Pillars of Content Creation46:40 – Finding Your Style Takes Years, Not Months49:45 – Discovery: Blockbuster vs Netflix53:00 – Imposter Syndrome and Speaking With Authority56:30 – The Old Guard, the New Guard, and Destiny’s Creator Culture01:01:00 – Podcasting: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Do It01:07:30 – What Makes a Podcast Actually Good01:11:00 – Podcast Discovery, SEO, and Monetization in 202601:18:00 – Being a Better Host and Letting Guests Shine01:21:30 – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬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▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Topics include:The heart of content creation is to enhance enjoyment.Cinematic guides can deepen understanding of game mechanics.Engagement with the community is crucial for content success.Refining video content involves balancing depth and accessibility.Thumbnails play a significant role in attracting viewers.Streaming can be a challenge for creators with busy lives.Targeting both new and veteran players requires careful content planning.Consistency in posting is important but should not sacrifice quality.Understanding audience needs can guide content direction.Life changes can impact content creation schedules. The creative process involves many decisions and challenges.Packaging content effectively is crucial for viewer engagement.Finding one's unique style takes time and experimentation.The Destiny community is generally supportive and welcoming.Podcasting can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor.Hosts should stay engaged and present during interviews.Letting guests feel like experts enhances the conversation.Content creation should focus on enjoyment, not just metrics.The need for a Destiny 3 is driven by new player accessibility.Resetting the game can bring fresh experiences for players.

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

Destiny 2: Renegades is finally in players’ hands — and for the first time in a long time, the community feels hopeful.In this episode, Sax is joined by  @LlamaD2  and  @Toadsmoothie  to break down everything Renegades brought to Destiny 2, including the Star Wars-inspired campaign, Lawless Frontier, the Praxic Blade chase, the removal of the power grind, and how this expansion compares to Edge of Fate.We dive deep into:• Whether Renegades is a true turning point for Destiny 2 • Why Lawless Frontier feels better than past seasonal activities • The Praxic Blade and the return of “the chase” • Star Wars in Destiny – genius crossover or step too far? • What Bungie finally got right after a rough year If 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/@LlamaD2Check out Toadsmoothie's Channel Here: https://youtube.com/@ToadSmoothie▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:40 - Renegades Overview06:02 - Star Wars in Destiny Debate15:28 - Lawless Frontier Deep Dive21:00 - Power Grind & Systems25:00 - Patrol Spaces Discussion37:27 - The Praxic Blade Conversation42:05 - Exotic Acquisition & Crafting48:00 - Exotic Mission Sidebar56:18 - Heat Weapons Breakdown01:08:00 - Equilibrium Dungeon01:18:37 - Feat System Critique01:25:46 - Did Star Wars Save Renegades? Or Is Bungie Back01:36:48 - Final Thoughts: Chaining W's Into 2026▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬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 today's Destiny 2 Creator Conversation, I had the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with  @MacticsG1 , a prolific Destiny 2 content creator who has found large followings across YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Known for his educational guides, creative builds, and no-nonsense approach to YouTube growth, Mactics has paved the way for creators like myself showing us that working hard and sharing your passion in a genuine way will help you attract viewers all while helping the community grow together!In this chat, we dive deep into Mactics’ journey — from streaming during COVID, to finding his stride with Destiny 2 build videos, to building systems that allowed him to scale into a full-time creator. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what content creation REALLY looks like, especially in a live-service game like Destiny 2.Check out Mactic's Channel Here: https://youtube.com/@MacticsG1▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 – Who Is Mactics?03:45 – Why He Started Creating Content09:30 – Finding What Actually Worked on YouTube15:40 – Grit, Burnout & Creator Mental Health23:10 – Streaming vs YouTube Growth29:45 – Shorts: Why They Matter More Than You Think36:00 – Systems, Editors & Scaling Your Channel43:30 – Destiny 2 Highs, Lows & Live-Service Reality52:10 – Advice for Small & Growing Creators▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬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▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Topics Covered- How Mactics found success on YouTube (and what he did wrong early on)- Why Destiny 2 build videos became his growth engine- The importance of grit, consistency, and adapting over time- Shorts vs Long-Form vs Streaming (and what actually grows your channel)- Why YouTube is the engine and Twitch is the funnel- Systems, editors, thumbnails, and creator workflows- Separating self-worth from views and analytics- Community building through positivity in Destiny 2Why most creators quit — and how to avoid it

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

Today's conversation explores the journey of @LlamaD2, a Destiny 2 content creator, highlighting the initial luck that led to early success on YouTube, the transition from player to creator, and the journey from player to advocate for the wider Destiny comunity. We also delve into Llama's thoughts on the impact of capture events and Bungie leveraging previously secret information as marketing material for the latest expansion. Finally we wrap up with some conversation around the balance of endgame activities, difficulty, the state of the latest expansion 'Renegades', and the possibility of a Destiny 3. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we enjoyed recording it!Check out Llama's Channel Here: https://youtube.com/@UCFcyPLVTb_5r3JYMdzHoZaw▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 - The Lucky Start of a YouTube Journey03:05 - Transitioning from Player to Creator06:05 - Llama's Content Strategy09:04 - The Role of Streaming in Growth12:03 - Navigating Content Creation Challenges14:56 - The Impact of Capture Events17:59 - Preparing for New Expansions20:52 - Community Engagement and Discovery23:58 - Reflections on Content Creation and Burnout48:06 - Balancing Difficulty in Gameplay55:41 - The State of Renegades: Player Experience01:06:07 - Navigating Exotic Missions and Bugs01:20:48 - The Future of Destiny: Destiny 3 or Evolution?01:30:15 - Light-Hearted Wrap-Up: Favorite Exotics and Classes▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬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

In today’s episode, I sit down with ​⁠ — the creator who helps define the Destiny 2 META, shapes the speedrunning scene, and sets the standard for damage testing across the entire community.We talk about the art of going fast, the science of knowing when to slow down, and the full story behind how Aegis became the person even other experts trust. From Wolfpack chunking to spreadsheets, speedrunning clans to burnout, and the Edge of Fate data crisis — this is a rare, unfiltered look behind the curtain into how the most trusted numbers in Destiny 2 get made.If you love damage testing, speedrunning, raid science, or just want to hear how one creator found his voice in the Destiny community, this is a MUST-watch episode.Check out Aegis’ Socials Here: https://linktr.ee/TheAegisRelic▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 – Episode Intro: How Aegis Started Playing Destiny02:10 – What We’re Covering Today (Speedrunning, Testing, Journey)03:17 – What Aegis Actually Does: Damage Testing, Speedrunning & Analysis04:30 – How Aegis First Got Into Destiny 205:13 – The Master VoG Era: How Raiding Became an Obsession07:06 – Getting Pulled Into Endgame Speedrunning Communities09:13 – Why Master VoG Was Peak Destiny Design10:51 – The Origin Story Behind the “Aegis Relic” Name12:12 – Wolfpack Chunking: The Birth of Modern Damage Testing14:40 – Health Bar Desync, Photoshop Testing & the Old Tools15:26 – The Tool That Changed Damage Testing Forever17:28 – The Double Special Video That Launched His Channel19:19 – Sax on Content Creation, Passion & Process26:20 – The Edge of Fate Miscalculation & Creator Accountability28:18 – Bungie Reaches Out: Fixing the Data & Owning Mistakes30:37 – Reinventing the Testing Process After the Incident31:30 – Creator Burnout & The Pulse of the Game33:35 – Why Speedrunning & Testing Are Immune to Meta Burnout35:59 – The Only Time Aegis Considered Leaving Destiny 245:30 – Day One Epic Desert Perpetual: The Hardest Damage Check Ever47:30 – Sax’s Day One Experience & Teaching Raids52:09 – Epic Ragos, Difficulty Tuning & Player Experience56:00 – Thoughts on Raid Identity, Difficulty & Speedrunning Culture01:06:03 – The Volunteers Behind the Data: Aegis’ Helper Team01:07:56 – Final Thoughts & Closing Message

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▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

In this Bonus TWID:R Podcast, I'm joined by  @AntivistD2 , a member of Clan Ascend and a member of the World's First Garden of Salvation Team. After seeing his high placement on the recent Destiny: Rising Raid Leaderboards, I reached out to discuss all things Day 1 Raiding inside of both Destiny 2 and Destiny: Rising.While talking, he revealed a story that I had never heard before.. They nearly beat Clan Elysium in the Day 1 Vow of the Disciple World's First Race. This would have prevented Elysium from winning the 2nd of 3 straight Raid Races and would have cemented Ascend as even more of a threat to every team looking to compete.In this episode, we break down everything from preparing for a Day 1 Raid, the importance of finding chemistry with your teammates, and everything in between.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed recording it!▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬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 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

In this episode of Tower Talk, hosts Sax and Spartan discuss various aspects of Destiny 2, including a recap of their recent raid marathon, their thoughts on the new Episode: Heresy, the rework of Vault of Glass weapons, and the changes made to Trials of Osiris. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and creating fun experiences within the game, while also reflecting on the nostalgia and excitement surrounding the game's evolving content.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Tower Talk and Housekeeping01:54 - Recap of the Raid Marathon06:12 - Thoughts on Episode: Heresy16:23 - Vault of Glass Weapon Rework 23:42 - Trials of Osiris Rework