Bungie Gifts Unique Destiny Gun to Brain Surgery Patient

Developer Bungie has gifted a unique Destiny weapon to a brain surgery patient following doctor's advice that playing the first-person shooter could help him recover.

The story comes from Reddit user Bkbunny87, who explained in great detail about her husband Eric's health status and how Bungie was able to step in and warm their hearts.

In the last year, Eric had seven brain surgeries, three of which involved removing parts of his brain, resulting in memory loss. Though his condition was stable, Eric wanted to play Destiny when it was released in September, close to when he needed to have another surgery operation.

"He wanted it badly enough that two weeks ago he described the game in detail to his wonderful Neurologist," his wife explained. To her surprise, the doctor said video games can work as an excellent physical therapy tool for people suffering from brain and memory damage.

"I have been shocked how well he has taken to it," she wrote about her husband's Destiny habits. "Once an avid cook, he was no longer able to navigate our kitchen--but with Destiny, it was like a duck to water. He has always been exceptionally good at games, and it seems like that hadn't changed a bit. It's been a joy to watch him."

She goes on to say that Destiny's effect on Eric's health and outlook has been dramatic. "He has been going out more, doing chores, making jokes," she says. "The effect of playing the game on his mood has been almost staggering."

It wasn't all great, however, as she reports that Eric has trouble communicating with friends in Destiny's raid missions. This led to his fireteam getting frustrated with him, she says.

This story has found its way to Bungie, as community manager David "Deej" Dague reached out to Eric and sent him a care package, presumably stuffed with all manner of Destiny goodies. In addition, Bungie sent Eric an in-game weapon, the super-rare Fate Of All Fools scout rifle (above). Eric is the only gamer out there with this weapon, as it apparently won't be released publicly until a future update.