Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, has come under scrutiny for allegedly including stolen artwork in its alpha version. The controversy emerged when artist Fern Hook, known as @4nt1r34l on social media, accused Bungie of using textures resembling her original designs without permission or credit.
Hook’s claims gained traction after she pointed out similarities between her 2017 poster designs and assets featured prominently in Marathon’s alpha map. While she initially discovered the issue upon the game’s April 2025 release, she refrained from speaking out until now due to legal advice and logistical constraints.
In response to the allegations, Bungie acknowledged the presence of Hook’s artwork in the game, attributing it to a former artist’s actions without the team’s knowledge. The company pledged to conduct a thorough review of all in-game assets and has initiated discussions with Hook regarding the matter.
Notably, this isn’t the first instance of Bungie facing accusations of appropriating artists’ work. Similar incidents occurred during the development of Destiny 2 and its expansions, raising concerns about the studio’s creative practices and ethical standards.
As the situation unfolds, questions linger about how Bungie will address Hook’s grievances before Marathon’s scheduled launch on September 23 for PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. The stakes are high as the developer navigates the delicate balance between artistic integrity, legal obligations, and public perception.
The controversy underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights in the gaming industry, where originality and inspiration often collide. It serves as a cautionary tale for developers and artists alike, highlighting the importance of ethical collaboration and transparent credit in creative endeavors.
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