Ex-Marathon Director Fired from Bungie After Misconduct Probe

Chris Barrett, the former director of the Marathon reboot at Bungie, has reportedly been fired due to allegations of inappropriate behavior, including misconduct towards multiple female employees. Following an internal investigation, Barrett's actions were described as creating a blurred line between professional and personal interactions. Allegations detailed that he sent numerous text messages and made suggestive comments to lower-level employees. His departure from Bungie was not transparently communicated to the team, with some believing he was on sabbatical. Joe Ziegler, the new lead on Marathon, took over in March amid significant leadership changes within the studio, which included layoffs. Bungie has reiterated its commitment to serious investigation of any misconduct complaints.

Chris Barrett faced allegations of inappropriate conduct towards at least eight female colleagues, including excessive texting and making comments that suggested he could use his influence to advance their careers.

Marathon is a long-awaited reboot of the classic first-person shooter that originally debuted in the 1990s. The game is set to bring modern gameplay mechanics and a refreshed story while maintaining the unique art style and atmosphere that fans loved. The reboot is part of Bungie's strategies to expand its portfolio beyond the Destiny franchise, aiming to tap into nostalgia while attracting new players.