An artist whose work was previously used without permission in Bungie's new game Marathon has been credited as a visual design consultant following a resolution between the two parties. After a breakdown of the situation by artist Fern "Antireal" Hook last year, Bungie conducted an investigation confirming the unauthorized use of the artwork. The artist and Bungie reached a satisfactory agreement by December, which reportedly included Antireal's involvement in the game's development. Now listed in the credits, the details of their contribution remain uncertain, but their acknowledgment has been seen positively amidst the game's recent release across PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
What issues arose with the use of the artist's work in Marathon?The artist's work was initially used without permission during the game's development, prompting an investigation by Bungie. After the incident came to light, a resolution was reached, leading to the artist being credited in the game.
Marathon is a notable return for Bungie, known for its iconic titles like Halo and Destiny. Originally launched in the 1990s, the series laid the groundwork for Bungie's reputation in the gaming industry. The current installment sees a fresh approach in gameplay and art direction, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Comments
Always good to see a studio own up to a mistake and actually involve the artist in the process. It's a solid move that hopefully sets a better precedent than just a quiet credit or payout.
It's great to see Bungie step up and make things right with the artist, especially after the initial oversight. This kind of resolution feels like a win for creative integrity in the industry.