Bungie Reportedly Fires Marathon Director After Misconduct Investigation

Bungie has reportedly dismissed Christopher Barrett, the director of Marathon and former art director for Destiny, following an internal probe into allegations of inappropriate behavior. Barrett, who was a long-standing member of Bungie with a career spanning back to the original Halo, was terminated in March 2024 after multiple complaints were lodged against him by female employees.

Internal Investigation Reveals Misconduct

According to a Bloomberg report by Jason Schreier, Barrett's termination came after at least eight female staff members accused him of misconduct. Allegations include frequent, suggestive texts, unwelcome advances, and inappropriate comments. Some reports also suggest Barrett used his position and influence at Bungie to imply that he could advance the careers of those he interacted with. The complaints led to a thorough internal investigation, which resulted in Barrett's dismissal.

Barrett’s Response and Bungie’s Stance

In response to the allegations, Barrett stated he had always acted with integrity and respect. He expressed regret if his communications were perceived as uncomfortable or unwanted. Bungie, for its part, emphasized that it takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and acts promptly based on investigative findings.

Impact on Bungie and Future Projects

Barrett’s departure comes at a challenging time for Bungie, which recently faced criticism over the handling of Destiny 2's Episode: Echoes and a wave of layoffs affecting over 200 employees. The studio’s restructuring has led to a focus on Marathon and Destiny 2, with other projects being shelved. Despite the controversy, development on Marathon has reportedly continued without interruption.

Community Concerns and Future Uncertainty

The situation has added to the Bungie community's frustrations, with ongoing concerns about the future of Marathon. Rumors suggest a potential delay for the game, and previous reports indicated mixed sentiment among developers regarding its current deadline. As the studio navigates these challenges, the future of both Marathon and Bungie’s broader projects remains uncertain.