From the moment I first opened the game, I knew that it was going to leave an impact on me. The wonder and mystery of exploring a world like this influenced me both as an artist and a person in ways I'll probably never be able to summarize in a post like this.
The characters and the story and everything in between became the cornerstone of most of the creative choices I make, even now. I'd always been a fan of shooters, but this one in particular drew me in like no other game has since. Tbh, it became a lot more than just a game to me; Destiny has become such an integral part of my life during the past 12 years.
I grew up. So did Destiny. After the jump to D2, I'd fallen off for a while cause life had just gotten too busy for me to hop on. But even when I wasn't playing, I always kept up with the game in some way. It was like checking in on an old friend and seeing how they were doing, not often but always special.
I jumped back in during my freshman year of college, sometime around Season of the Hunt. Covid had derailed my whole life, I was locked up at home in a room I'd previously fought tooth and nail to escape from, and I'd never been lonelier. I asked a few friends on a whim if they would give the game a shot so I'd have a fireteam to play with, and 6 years later they've become the people I love more than anything. First campaign runs, raid nights, Nightfall grinding -- it sounds silly when I say it out loud, but getting to play together during those years is honestly one of the reasons I'm still even here, typing all this out.
D2 holds such a special place in my heart. It got me through some of the hardest, most painful years of my life, and the memories and friendships I made through it will be something I'll cherish forever. It's the spark that always has, and always will, guide the pen I put to paper.
Thank you, Destiny. Thank you, Bungie. For being the light that guided me through the darkness, and the inspiration that I will always look up to. That lonely little 13 year old girl thanks you for changing her life for the better.
I hope one day, if -- when -- we meet again, the future will be just as bright for the both of us.
Feels a bit like we've been watching an elderly loved one clearly on the decline, and you don't really want to think about it but you know any day now you're going to get that phone call, and so when you do get that call it's not surprising. But it's still heartbreaking. But that person you love has already kind of been gone for a while, so in a way, you've already kind of made some peace with it. But you still aren't quite ready to let go, even though you knew this was coming and it was just a matter of time.
jacobvanloon
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