Overview

• Independent artist Fern Hook accused Bungie of using her 2017 poster designs without permission in Marathon's alpha build, prompting the studio to confirm the unauthorized use by a former employee.
• Bungie has initiated a comprehensive review of all in-game assets, implemented stricter documentation processes, and reached out to Hook to address the issue and explore potential collaboration.
• Reports indicate morale at Bungie is at an all-time low, with employees expressing concerns about the studio's future if Marathon fails commercially.
• A planned gameplay showcase for Marathon was postponed to avoid showing assets under scrutiny, as the studio works to scrub offending materials ahead of the September 23 release date.
• This marks at least the fourth time Bungie has faced allegations of unauthorized art use, highlighting systemic challenges as it navigates its first major non-Destiny title under Sony's ownership.