Bungie’s Marathon project has experienced significant leadership changes, leading to a shift in its development trajectory in recent months, coinciding closely with the upcoming release of Destiny 2’s expansion, The Final Shape.
Reports from IGN reveal that Bungie has undertaken a restructuring of Marathon’s development team, aiming to streamline production efforts and expedite the game’s release.
Notably, Christopher Barrett, a veteran Bungie game designer serving as game director, has been replaced by Joe Ziegler. Ziegler, known for his tenure with Riot Games’ Valorant team before joining Bungie in 2022, confirmed via Twitter his role as Marathon’s game director over the past nine months.
With these leadership changes, internal sources disclose a concerted effort within the studio to prioritize Marathon’s development, guided by Ziegler’s vision. Noteworthy alterations include a departure from custom characters in favor of named heroes as playable characters, reflecting a subtle shift in the game’s direction.
Additionally, concerns loom regarding a potential exodus of senior staff from Bungie in the summer of 2026, coinciding with the final financial incentives from Sony’s acquisition. The studio endeavors to launch Marathon before this anticipated departure, underscoring the urgency surrounding the project’s completion.
Apprehensions persist among staff members regarding post-launch layoffs, particularly following the release of The Final Shape expansion. Should the expansion fail to meet expectations, cost-cutting measures may be necessary, echoing previous layoffs in October. Compounding Bungie’s challenges are the setbacks faced by its other projects, with the cancellation of Matter, a new IP, and the indefinite pause of project Gummy Bears, a sci-fi MOBA.
Bungie’s tumultuous journey in recent years, punctuated by reports of a toxic work culture in 2021 preceding its acquisition by Sony, underscores the studio’s ongoing struggles. Despite these challenges, Destiny 2: The Final Shape is slated for release on June 4, while Marathon is anticipated to launch in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC platforms.
