Bungie's Marathon art director Joseph Cross has announced his departure from the studio just months before the game's anticipated 2026 release. Cross, who spent 14 years at Bungie, expressed pride in the visual world developed for Marathon and thanked the team. His exit comes amid controversy over a plagiarism issue linked to the game's artistic design, which has since been resolved. Following a gameplay showcase, updates to the game include a solo queue and enhanced PvE elements, while its tagline has changed to "Death is the first step." With the game's release set for March 2026, fans are eager to see how Bungie overcomes previous setbacks and engages its audience.

What changes have been made to Bungie's Marathon following the recent plagiarism scandal?

Following the plagiarism scandal, Marathon has undergone significant changes, including updates to gameplay mechanics such as improved PvE challenges, a solo queue option, and a new tagline: "Death is the first step," indicating a shift in the game's thematic approach.

Marathon is a revival of Bungie's classic title from the 1990s. Originally released as a trilogy, the game was a pioneer in the first-person shooter genre, emphasizing a strong narrative and innovative multiplayer experiences. The current iteration aims to re-establish the series within the modern gaming landscape while navigating the challenges posed by today's competitive environment.