Oscar-winning animator Alberto Mielgo has defended his work on Bungie’s Marathon cinematic short, refuting claims that it was generated by AI. Mielgo emphasized that the eight-minute reveal, which showcases the game's visuals, was the result of extensive teamwork involving 155 individuals over many months. The debate emerged amid ongoing challenges faced by Bungie, including staff morale and a plagiarism controversy linked to the game, which have contributed to the ongoing discourse around the studio. Mielgo stressed his belief in the irreplaceable aspect of human artistic effort and clarified misconceptions regarding the plagiarized assets related to Marathon.

nIs the cinematic short for Marathon truly AI-generated?

No, Alberto Mielgo insists that the cinematics for Marathon were created by a dedicated team over a significant period and are not AI-generated. He expressed frustration at having to clarify this point, affirming the value of human creativity in the project.

Marathon is Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter, aimed to revitalize interest after the studio's challenges in recent years. Initially a beloved series in the late '90s, the game's reboot seeks to blend classic elements with modern gameplay innovations. Despite setbacks, including a delay, there are indications that it could still launch by March next year, indicating Bungie's commitment to delivering a polished final product amidst controversies.