Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, has been the subject of intense speculation and controversy in recent weeks. From plagiarism accusations to internal morale issues, the studio appears to be navigating a turbulent period. Here’s a deep dive into the latest rumors and developments surrounding the game.
One of the biggest scandals to hit Bungie recently involves allegations of art plagiarism. Digital artist ANTIREAL accused Bungie of using her 2017 artwork in Marathon’s closed alpha without permission. Bungie admitted to the issue, attributing it to a former employee, and pledged to “do the right thing” for the artist. However, this marks the fourth reported plagiarism incident in five years, raising concerns about the studio’s art direction.
Internal Morale at an All-Time Low And Marathon being delayed
Reports indicate that employee morale at Bungie is at an all-time low, with developers worried about Marathon’s future. The studio has reportedly canceled its planned June marketing campaign, including a new trailer and pre-order launch. Additionally, the August open beta has been replaced with a series of smaller playtests, suggesting uncertainty about the game’s readiness.
While Bungie has not officially announced a delay, rumors suggest that Sony and Bungie executives are discussing pushing the game’s release to 2026. The mixed feedback from the closed alpha, where players described the game as “flat,” has fueled speculation that the studio may need more time to refine the experience.
Bungie’s acquisition by Sony for $3.6 billion was expected to bring stability, but recent events have cast doubt on the studio’s trajectory. Some developers fear that if Marathon fails, it could jeopardize Bungie’s future, especially after the Concord disaster.
Marathon was initially positioned as Bungie’s next big project after Destiny, but the negative reception, plagiarism scandal, and internal struggles have raised serious concerns. Whether Bungie can turn things around remains to be seen, but for now, the future of Marathon—and Bungie itself—appears uncertain.
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