Destiny Players Can't Trade Loot

Even though there's still a few days left before the launch of Destiny – on current-gen and last-gen platforms – developer Bungie seems pretty adamant about letting the game speak for itself. They've  done their due diligence, even releasing a launch trailer for the game and teasing a few previously unknown features and modes, and now they want the game to speak for itself on September 9th. Since Destiny is all about discovery, Bungie prefers that gamers learn the ins and outs of their upcoming game first hand.

That doesn't mean that Bungie can't answer a question here or there, however; in fact, the devs are still regularly engaging with fans where possible, more specifically in their regular weekly updates. This week's Bungie update, for example, included confirmation that a feature many hoped would be in the game will not be in Destiny at launch.

While many gamers had hoped that they might be able to trade or swap in-game items for Destiny, Bungie has confirmed that no such feature will be available. They believe that the armor, weapons, and trinkets that players unlock along the way are the hard earned spoils of war, and therefore should be treasured by their original owners.

In Bungie's mind, every unlocked item carries a story, and they want players to think back on those adventures when they look at a specific helmet, cape or sniper rifle. To us, that sounds like Bungie simply trying to justify why a trading feature isn't in the game, but it's a nice sentiment nonetheless.

As for swapping irons in the Tower? Nope. We want you to earn ‘em. You should be able to tell a badass story for every sweet jewel in your arsenal. Once you earn them, the various Guardians under your account will be able to trade them, but weapons belong to the players who acquire them through action and bravery.

Destiny Beta Features 4 Story Chapters

Granted, there are many reasons why Bungie might not want a trading option in Destiny, but making sure players value their trinkets doesn't seem like a very justifiable one. Had Bungie said they wanted to preserve the balance in the game or even that the feature is on their list for a post-release patch, we might have had an easier time accepting this disappointing news. As it stands, Bungie is missing a feature that, while not essential, helps create a friendly community in MMO-like experiences.

However, if gamers voice their concerns loud enough it's entirely possible that Bungie might add the feature in later down the road. We wouldn't go so far as to say they might also include an auction house for in-game items – Diablo 3 has taught us many lessons about the dangers of real money auction houses – but some way to share items with friends would be nice.

How do you feel about Destiny not including an item-trading feature? Do you think Bungie should work on patching in such a feature down the road?

Destiny releases September 9, 2014 for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

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Source: Bungie