There is never a "cushion". Not knowing the specifics of the agreement with Activision, we don't know if the game(s) need to reach a certain score on Metacritic, need to sell so many copies, etc. What makes or breaks Bungie are the people who work there. If they, for an instant, think that what they're doing is the greatest thing ever, then it won't be. And if that's the case then fans will stop buying their games. Bungie can last forever, so long as they continue to innovate and keep from becoming complacent. And do you know what keeps them going? We do. If it weren't for the fans cheering them on, or letting them know what they've done wrong, that'll be just what happens.