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.
