Uncovering the Lost Story of Destiny 1: A Deep Dive into the “Staten Cut”
In 2014, Destiny launched to a mixed reception, with many players scratching their heads over its convoluted storyline. Fast forward to 2015, and a report by Jason Schreier revealed that the game’s story had undergone a significant rewrite, scrapping a more character-driven campaign written by Joseph Staten. Now, thanks to a community member named Breshii, we have our clearest look yet at what that original story might have looked like.
A New Breakdown of the “Staten Cut”
Breshii’s deep dive into a December 2013 Xbox 360 Tech-Alpha build of Destiny, leaked in June 2023, has uncovered a treasure trove of information about the original campaign. The build still included remnants of the original missions, characters, destinations, and cinematics from the so-called “Staten cut.” Let’s dive into the key findings:
Campaign Structure and Characters
The original campaign was structured like a book series, with Books and Chapters making up the story arc. Each chapter was a full mission, and the campaign spanned multiple destinations that were either changed or cut entirely before release. The story would’ve taken players across five main destinations, including the Dreadnaught, which was later released as part of The Taken King expansion.
The main cast was also vastly different, with a more comedic and lighthearted Ghost, and characters like Osiris, Hecate, and Rasputin playing key roles. The campaign kicked off on Earth, moved to Venus, and then to Mars, with the player retrieving the Seraph Key and rescuing Rasputin from the Hive.
Factions and Strikes
Six main Factions were part of the original content plan – three story-related and three for PvP. The story factions included Osiris, Queen’s Wrath, and the Seven Seraphs. The PvP factions were the same ones we ended up getting in the final game: New Monarchy, Dead Orbit, and Future War Cult. There was also a mysterious faction called FOTC (Forces of the City), which was mentioned in the mission structure.
The leak also revealed a list of Strikes, including one on the Dreadnaught called The Crux, where players would’ve faced a Hive boss named Asaru, the Navigator. Other Strikes included:
- The Crux
- The Vault
- The Black Garden
- The Reef
- The Tower
Raid and PvP Maps
The Tech Alpha build also gave a look at Destiny 1’s early PvP plans, including a list of PvP maps that eventually made it into the final game. Additionally, the build included references to an unfinished raid, which was meant to take place aboard the Hive Dreadnaught. The raid was structured across multiple key areas, including The Basilica, Golgoroth’s Cellar, and the Oversoul Throne.
Conclusion and Actionable Insights
The “Staten cut” offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been a very different Destiny 1. While we may never know exactly why Bungie chose to scrap this original story, it’s clear that the game’s development was a complex and iterative process.
For fans of the series, this leak provides a unique opportunity to explore the what-ifs of Destiny’s development. For new players, it offers a fascinating look at the game’s evolution and the creative decisions that shaped its final form.
Summary
In conclusion, the “Staten cut” of Destiny 1 offers a captivating glimpse into the game’s original story and campaign structure. With its unique characters, factions, and destinations, this lost narrative provides a fascinating alternative to the game we know today. Whether you’re a seasoned Destiny veteran or a newcomer to the series, this leak is a must-read for anyone interested in the game’s development and the what-ifs of its story.