Bungie aren’t having an excellent week are they? First there have been these accusations of Marathon utilizing property with out permission from the artist 4ant1r34l (Antireal), which Bungie admitted to taking place. Then yesterday there was a livestream that includes recreation director Joe Ziegler and artwork director Joseph Cross which was full of chat messages about mentioned asset utilization for virtually the whole stream. Ziegler and Cross did at the very least deal with these messages, however with the response to the shooter already being fairly combined to this point, it does not quantity to a lot proper now.
Issues additionally do not sound nice internally at Bungie proper now both. A number of present and former workers reportedly spoke with Forbes about the place Bungie and Marathon are at proper now, with morale apparently in “free-fall” throughout all departments. One supply supposedly mentioned “the vibes have by no means been worse”, and workers are involved about what occurs if Marathon flops, one thing the studio cannot afford. There’s been nothing mentioned a few potential delay from the present September launch date, and it is unclear at a decrease degree if these discussions are being had by higher-ups.
In terms of the artwork theft specifically, the reason that is been offered publicly – that these property have been from a texture sheet made by a former Bungie artist – is the inner clarification as properly.
Bungie’s advertising plans sound like they’re out the window too. A brand new trailer was meant to be coming in June, in addition to the beginning of pre-orders, however that is apparently being reworked. A public beta meant to be held in August might now be became a “roadmap of public playtests” as properly.
Those who spoke with Forbes additionally mentioned that Marathon was pitched by higher-up “good outdated boy” Bungie management, and so long as 5 years in the past crew members have been making an attempt to elucidate what would and would not work. They have been steadily ignored. Apparently many devs even famous there ought to be some form of PvE aspect to the sport, a frequent grievance you’ll possible have seen in regards to the recreation by now.
Bungie are in a really precarious place proper now. They’ve lots of Destiny 2 updates and expansions on the way, however there isn’t any ensures that’ll convey individuals again the best way it must. Who is aware of if there’s even time to repair these huge points Marathon is dealing with. We’ll simply have to attend and see for now.
