Xbox Gaming in South Africa

A source who claims to have been recently laid off by developer Bungie has told Kotaku that 'the next big thing' from the Halo developer is a massively multiplayer online shooter, currently named Destiny.

Apparently the upcoming shooter, codenamed "Tiger", will run on a new Bungie-developed graphics engine and feature unique online connectivity and matchmaking technology. The source likened it to "WoW in space".

In the midst of all this, the source claims that the developer terminated contracts for 30 non-salaried employees, citing "budgetary concerns", as well as alleging unfair treatment. Bungie has since responded, saying, "The claim is false. Bungie has never been asked to lay off any employees or contract employees by our publisher, Activision-Blizzard, for any reason. The talented professionals who grace our offices day in and day out are the lifeblood of Bungie – our most cherished commodity – and the unsubstantiated rumors posted today are in direct opposition to the culture and values that we believe make Bungie an exceptional place to work, and to call home."

While the developer denies being asked to lay-off employees, both Bungie and expected publisher Activision have yet to comment on the details surrounding Destiny. Could this be the multiplatform "big action game universe" hinted at in the Bungie/Activision deal? As usual, we'll keep you in the loop as we hear more.